Author Jack Carr's Book "The Terminal List" Was Adapted Into a Series Starring Chris Pratt

Episode Summary

Main Topics Discussed

• Author Jack Carr's commitment to continuing the journey of his protagonist, James Reece, due to the character's resonance with readers.
• The intricate process of adapting Carr's novel, "The Terminal List," into a series, including his experience working with screenwriters and a writer's room.
• The pivotal involvement of Chris Pratt (who optioned the book early) and director Antoine Fuqua in bringing the story to the screen.
• The importance of trust and collaboration in the Hollywood adaptation process, especially when an author cedes creative control.

Key Insights & Memorable Moments

• Carr clarified his main character's name is James Reece, not Jack.
• He recounted an editor's advice against abandoning a popular character, drawing a parallel to J.K. Rowling's post-Harry Potter challenges.
• Carr gained significant screenwriting knowledge, mentored by David DiGilio, and participated in a virtual writer's room during the pandemic.
• Chris Pratt, described as the "perfect" fit for the role, optioned the book in January 2018, before it was even published.
• The series is expected to be "pretty graphic" mirroring the books, showcasing a more "visceral" side of Chris Pratt.
• Director Antoine Fuqua (known for films like Training Day and The Equalizer) was described as having an incredible, impactful presence.
• The set was a "huge reunion" for Carr, with approximately 12 former Navy SEALs involved as actors, stunt coordinators, or technical advisors, contributing to a unique on-set atmosphere.

Notable Quotes or Revelations

• "Yeah **James Reece the main character** former navy seal sniper background similar to mine but right now it's so hard to get an audience to connect with your character and I didn't even think about that as I started but since that's happened since he is resonating with people and the stories are resonating with people that I think I'm going to continue on with the same character the same storyline..."
• (Recalling an editor's advice to another author) "She's like what no you're not no you know how rare this is so right like jk rawlings she had this amazing success with harry potter and then she wrote another book and you know i mean I'm sure it's probably pretty successful just because she's jk rawlings and everybody loves her but I haven't heard [__] about it."
• "So **Chris optioned it right out of the gate Chris Pratt so January of 2018 before it even hits shells Chris Pratt options it** because my dear friend Jared Shaw gives him a copy and says this is your next project."
• (On Antoine Fuqua) "...it's one of those guys like when you meet him and you're in this in his presence like **something's different**... incredible it's such a nice guy."
• "But uh there's a lot of trust involved because you're especially me when uh if you're not jk rowling or you're not uh you know stephen king and **you're not maintaining creative control** uh you hand that to somebody else and you cross your fingers and there's no better there's no two better people to be in charge of this than Chris Pratt and [Antoine] Fuqua they're incredible people."

Overall Themes

• **Artistic Integrity vs. Audience Demand:** The tension between an author's creative desires and the commercial reality of continuing a successful character that deeply resonates with readers.
• **The Collaborative Nature of Storytelling:** Highlighting that bringing a story to life, especially in a visual medium, requires extensive teamwork and the blending of various creative talents.
• **Trust in the Creative Process:** The profound need for authors to trust their work with others during adaptation, particularly when they don't retain full creative control.
• **Authenticity and Real-World Experience:** The value of incorporating genuine military background and the involvement of real Navy SEALs to ensure a compelling and accurate portrayal of the story's world.