Thomas Tull’s Teton Ridge Entertainment Buys Rights to Larry McMurtry’s ‘Lonesome Dove’ Novels

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Teton Ridge Entertainment has secured the rights to adapt Larry McMurtry’s extensive Western novel series, “Lonesome Dove”. This agreement was struck between the entertainment company and the author’s family estate, granting them the rights for all forms of adaptation, excluding publishing which remains with Simon & Schuster.

In a press statement, Teton Ridge revealed that they will initiate the development process with the initial book of the series, titled “Lonesome Dove,” which will be followed by the remaining four books: “Streets of Laredo,” “Dead Man’s Walk,” and “Comanche Moon.” These novels delve into the lives of Texas Ranger Division members, covering the period from when Texas was a republic to the early 20th century, when it became part of the U.S. There is potential for these books to spawn a series of movies or TV shows, or perhaps even both.

Thomas Tull, Jillian Share from Teton Ridge Entertainment, Jon Jashni (a seasoned producer and investor in media), Curtis McMurtry (son of the author) and Diana Ossana (long-term writing and producing partner of the author) will all be involved in the production. Regrettably, McMurty, who co-wrote “The Last Picture Show” and “Terms of Endearment”, passed away in 2021.

Back in ’86, diving into “Lonesome Dove” was like stepping onto uncharted territory, and it quickly became an unstoppable literary juggernaut. This Western masterpiece held the number one spot on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list for a staggering 24 weeks, followed by another 28 weeks atop the paperback chart. It’s no surprise that over four million eager readers couldn’t resist its allure.

The novel’s success didn’t just stop at print; it was transformed into an equally captivating miniseries in ’89, graced by the talents of Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. This small-screen adaptation drew a whopping 26 million viewers, leaving no doubt that it had struck a chord with audiences.

The accolades poured in, with the program winning a Peabody Award, seven Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Television Critics Association Awards – just to name a few. In my humble opinion, “Lonesome Dove” is more than just a novel or a miniseries; it’s a timeless tale that continues to resonate with readers and viewers alike.

Under the leadership of president Jillian Share, Teton Ridge Entertainment creates movies and TV shows, encompassing both scripted and unscripted genres, focusing on the American West and its enduring impact. This enterprise belongs to TWG Global, a conglomerate company jointly chaired by Mark Walter and Tull.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but acknowledge that I was once driven by the very force that Tom Tull, the founder of Legendary Entertainment, exuded during the negotiations for “Lonesome Dove.” Before his sale of the company to Wanda in 2016, he was the one who steered the deal.

As a lover of cinema, I can’t help but feel moved by ‘Lonesome Dove’, an epic masterpiece that beautifully captures the unyielding spirit of the American Frontier. We at Teton Ridge Entertainment are deeply thankful to the McMurtry family for joining us in this venture, enabling us to share these evergreen themes with future audiences.”

Or, more informally:

“I’ve got to hand it to ‘Lonesome Dove’, it nails the spirit of the American West like no other. A big thanks goes out to the McMurtry family for teaming up with us at Teton Ridge Entertainment, helping us introduce these classic themes to a new generation of viewers.

Share stated, ‘We’re passionate about breathing life into a variety of western tales with authenticity and heart, and we feel privileged that the McMurtry family has given us the responsibility of what we believe is one of the most significant properties in entertainment history – ‘Lonesome Dove’. This classic tale exemplifies the power of an exceptional American narrative to touch hearts and unite people. It also underscores the enduring desire for stories that captivate, motivate, and pay tribute to our nation’s pioneering spirit. We can’t wait to reacquaint viewers with Gus, Call, Lorena, Jake, Deets, and the other cherished characters from this epic of the American West.’

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always admired ‘Lonesome Dove’ for its grand cinematic feel, originally conceived as a screenplay before becoming a novel. Regrettably, a film version planned by Peter Bogdanovich never materialized. Yet, I’m thrilled that this tale is being reimagined for the screen once more, offering both new and old admirers an opportunity to immerse themselves in its timeless story.

According to Ossana, Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call are essentially Larry McMurtry in character. He finds it hard to imagine more dedicated and fitting guardians for the reimagining of Larry’s cherished ‘Lonesome Dove’ world than Thomas Tull and Teton Ridge Entertainment.

The McMurtry Estate is being represented by Craig Barker and Sally Helppie, while Teton Ridge Entertainment has Vincent Chieffo and Steven Peña as their representatives. On the other hand, Ossana is being represented by Robert Thorne, United Talent Agency, and Anonymous Content.

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2025-02-18 22:17