Carnival Films' acquisition of Sarah Pinborough's upcoming novel is a testament to her storytelling prowess, promising an exciting adaptation that will delight audiences.
The fact that Carnival snapped up rights before the book even hit shelves tells you they're betting bigβand other studios are probably kicking themselves for missing out on this one.
Variety exclusively reported on August 4, 2026 that Carnival Films acquired TV rights to 'They Say a Girl Died Here.' The novel publishes at the end of this month and follows university drop-out Anna Maybourne.
Carnival just secured one of the most buzzed-about mysteries before anyone else couldβand now all eyes are on Pinborough's book.
Carnival Films, the production company behind 'The Day of the Jackal,' has acquired television rights to Sarah Pinborough's upcoming murder mystery 'They Say a Girl Died Here.' The exclusive report came from Variety on August 4, 2026. According to the trade publication, Carnival Films will develop the novel for television. This marks another significant project for the company, which continues to build its slate of high-profile adaptations.
The book is scheduled for release at the end of this month, marking Pinborough's latest entry into the thriller genre. Early descriptions indicate that the story follows university drop-out Anna Maybourne as she becomes entangled in a deadly mystery. While full plot details remain scarce, the title hints at an unsettling narrative centered around a mysterious death.
The protagonist's academic background adds an intriguing layer to the whodunit. Readers will have to wait until publication to uncover the complete storyline. This acquisition adds another high-profile project to Carnival Films' portfolio, which includes producing 'The Day of the Jackal.' By securing rights before publication, the company demonstrates confidence in Pinborough's storytelling and positions itself for what could become a compelling television drama.
The move reflects a broader industry trend of adapting literary works early, as studios seek to lock down fresh material before competitors can swoop in. It also signals that Carnival is eager to expand its genre offerings. For readers, the timing is convenient: they can dive into the novel when it arrives at the end of August and later see how Carnival translates it for screens.
As development progresses, more details about casting and production are expected to emerge. Fans of both Pinborough's writing and high-quality television have reason to be excited. With a proven producer at the helm, this adaptation is already generating buzz.
No official announcements regarding talent or release dates have been made public yet. For Sarah Pinborough, this deal represents a major vote of confidence from one of television's most respected production houses. With 'The Day of the Jackal' as proof of their capabilities, Carnival Films is well-positioned to bring her story to life. The author now joins a growing list of writers whose books have been snapped up for adaptation before hitting shelves.
