Bestseller “The Favorites” Gets Netflix Adaptation with Cathy Schulman and Kate Gersten

**Netflix to Adapt Layne Fargo’s Acclaimed Sports Romance, ‘The Favorites’**

In an exciting development for fans of sports romance, Layne Fargo’s bestselling novel, *The Favorites*, is set to be adapted into a feature film by Netflix. The adaptation is spearheaded by Cathy Schulman, an Oscar-winning producer known for her work on *Crash* and *The Idea of You*. Joining her on this project is Kate Gersten, who will pen the screenplay.

Inspired by Emily Brontë’s classic, *Wuthering Heights*, *The Favorites* weaves a complex narrative centered on the lives of elite figure skaters Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha. The story unfolds in the intense and often ruthless world of competitive figure skating, highlighting the challenges faced by a determined young woman who seeks to forge her own identity on and off the ice.

The novel follows the journey of Katarina, a dedicated athlete who pursues her dreams despite a lack of familial support and financial resources. Her life takes a pivotal turn when she meets Heath Rocha, a boy grappling with the challenges of the foster care system. Their instant connection blossoms from childhood sweethearts into a partnership of champion ice dancers.

However, their relationship faces a significant upheaval during the Olympic Games, a turn of events that ultimately separates them. As they approach the ten-year anniversary of their last performance together, an unauthorised documentary emerges, reigniting public interest in their once-illustrious partnership. This film claims to unveil the ‘real story’ of their relationship, featuring interviews with friends and rivals alike.

While Katarina wishes to stay clear of the documentary, she cannot bear the thought of someone else defining her legacy. In an effort to reclaim her narrative, she decides to share her story, giving insight into the childhood tragedies that solidified her bond with Heath and the conflicting ambitions that drove them apart.

Fargo, in an interview with *Variety* in January 2025, shared that her inspiration for the novel stemmed from her twin passions for figure skating and the themes within *Wuthering Heights*. She described the writing process as transformative, stating, “This was a book I wrote for myself about things I was obsessed with.” Originally aiming to write a gothic romance and an ice-dancer thriller, Fargo found her true direction by blending the two concepts.

Potential casting has already been a topic of discussion, with Fargo suggesting Brandon Perea as an ideal choice for the role of Heath, drawing upon his background in jam skating to portray the character authentically on the ice.

Fargo also expressed her willingness to adapt the narrative for the screen by expanding upon the characters often unseen or unheard within Katarina’s viewpoint. In a January 2025 interview with *Swooon*, she stated, “I would definitely do what’s needed to make it thrive in a different medium,” emphasising the importance of remaining true to the core of the characters. In particular, she expressed an interest in exploring the dynamics between Heath and Bella, another central character whose interactions are limited in the novel.

With the prospect of *The Favorites* bringing forth an intriguing blend of romance and the high-stakes atmosphere of competitive sports, anticipation is mounting ahead of its Netflix debut. Fans of both the novel and the rich world of figure skating can look forward to a nuanced exploration of love, ambition, and the shadows of the past, as deftly crafted by Fargo’s pen.

The collaboration between Schulman and Gersten brings a strong foundation for this adaptation, given their successful track records. With the screenplay underway and a clear vision for the film, *The Favorites* promises to be a captivating addition to Netflix’s growing repertoire of adaptations, appealing to both readers of the novel and a broader audience.

As interest in the adaptation grows, audiences eager for a fresh interpretation of this epic love story await further news about the project, including its release date and additional casting announcements. The journey of Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, steeped in passion and hardship, is set to capture hearts once more in an electrifying new format.