Millie Bobby Brown, the talented 20-year-old actress best known for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things, is making another significant move in her career—this time in the world of filmmaking. Brown is set to adapt her debut novel, Nineteen Steps, into a Netflix movie, according to Deadline. The novel, which quickly became a bestseller after its release in September 2023, is about to reach an even broader audience through the streaming giant.
Not only will Brown be producing the film under her PCMA banner, but she’s also reportedly considering taking on a starring role. Given her acting chops and the success she’s had on screen, it’s no surprise that fans are excited to see her bring her story to life in this new medium. The screenplay will be adapted by Anthony McCarten.
For those unfamiliar with the novel, Nineteen Steps is set during World War II and follows the life of Nellie Morris. The plot summary reads: “The story follows Nellie Morris, an 18-year-old girl living in the East London neighborhood of Bethnal Green. Over the course of the book, Nellie navigates the challenges of wartime life, including the threat of bombings, rationing, and the emotional turmoil of being separated from loved ones, while charting a new romance with American airman Ray. At the historical core of the novel is the Bethnal Green Tube disaster, one of the worst civilian disasters in the UK during the war, where 173 people were killed in a crush as they sought shelter during an air raid.”
The novel’s historical setting, combined with its strong emotional core, makes it a perfect candidate for a cinematic adaptation. Brown’s deep connection to the material—having authored the book herself—adds a layer of authenticity and passion to the project that few adaptations can match.
While details about the film’s production and release date are still under wraps, the anticipation is already building. Fans of both the book and Brown’s work are eager to see how the story will translate to the screen, and there’s little doubt that the film will be one to watch.
