Winterstone Pictures has secured the rights to “The Dark Between Stars” and “Love Her Wild,” by the bestselling author Atticus, who is also known as the world’s most “mysterious poet.”

Ashley Avis, director of Disney’s “Black Beauty” and the upcoming film “City of Angels” for Warner Bros., is set to write, direct and produce under her own banner. The feature film will draw inspiration from the true story of the enigmatic author, who chose to remain anonymous after the death of a close friend. There’s plenty of speculation about Atticus’s identity, and his work has garnered a massive, as well as intensely loyal, social media following.

“The Dark Between Stars” will explore the journey of a young man who flees California following the loss of his mentor and friend. He finds himself drawn to Paris, where he begins to write poetry under the pseudonym of “Atticus.”  As he navigates the romantic city, Atticus encounters a captivating French singer and painter who draws him into her world, leading him down a path of light, as well as spiraling darkness.

“I sincerely believe the world needs more timeless, elegant, authentic love stories,” Avis said in a statement. “What drew me to Atticus’ poetry is that he writes of love in all its many forms; from the thrill of a first touch, to the painful realization that love is ending. His work possesses a depth that is profoundly affecting, and I can’t wait to bring this film to life, framed by his verses.”

“When I wrote my first poem a decade ago on an old Royal typewriter, I could never have imagined this level of worldwide connection,” Atticus said in a statement. “When Ashley approached me to create a film based on my first book, it felt completely surreal; my goal has always been to spread poetry into the world in any way I can, and Ashley is now bringing that dream to life through film.”

Atticus has rapidly risen to prominence as one of the fastest-growing poets online, amassing over 25 million social media impressions per week.  A global ambassador for UNICEF, Atticus works to amplify the voices of young people living in conflict, inspiring them to use poetry to express their hopes for a more peaceful future.

Avis most recently directed, produced and edited the award-winning documentary “Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West,” a look at the government’s controversial treatment of wild horses. The independent film is a 2023 Critics Choice nominee, as well as a potential Oscar contender.

Avis’s “Black Beauty” for Disney+ starred Kate Winslet and Mackenzie Foy. She is currently finishing work on “The Lamb” for MBC and Jeremy Bolt. A passionate advocate for equine welfare, Avis is the founder and president of the 501c3 nonprofit The Wild Beauty Foundation, which rescues horses and empowers children to lend their voices to the protection of the natural world.

“The Dark Between Stars” will be produced by Avis and her partner Edward Winters under their company Winterstone Pictures. Avis is repped by WME, Sugar 23 and Yorn Levine. Atticus is repped by Empire Literary and attorney Phil Daniels.

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