Entertainment

Searchlight Wins Rights To A.C. Robinson Short Story “Grand Rising” In Competitive Situation; Lena Waithe Adapting Script With Steven Caple Jr. Directing

January 14, 2026

Lena Waithe, Steven Caple Jr. Chrris Lowe/ EXCLUSIVE: In a competitive situation, Searchlight has secured the rights to “Grand Rising,” a short story from A. C. Robinson marking the first high-profile package sale of the year, which has Emmy winner Lena Waithe (Queen & Slim) attached to adapt and director Steven Caple Jr.

aple Jr

Credit: Lena Waithe, Steven C

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(Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) on board to helm.
Described as a psychological horror-thriller, pic’s logline is being kept under wraps.
Related Stories News Lena Waithe Sets Playwriting & Stage Acting Debut With Self-Penned ‘trinity’ At Baltimore Center Stage Casting David Harbour Exits Searchlight’s ‘Behemoth!’ Waithe will produce for Hillman Grad, alongside Caple Jr.
for Grey Skies Pictures, and Scott Glassgold for 12:01 Films.
Jeannette Francis will exec produce for Grey Skies Pictures.

News Acquisitions Searchlight Pictures Lena Waithe A.C. Robinson Grand Rising Steven Caple Jr.

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Searchlight Wins Rights To A.C. Robinson Short Story “Grand Rising” In Competitive Situation; Lena Waithe Adapting Script With Steven Caple Jr. Directing

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Searchlight Wins Rights To A.C. Robinson Short Story “Grand Rising” In Competitive Situation; Lena Waithe Adapting Script With Steven Caple Jr. Directing

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