Key Takeaways
- Daniel Kraus is reteaming with Imagine Entertainment to develop a film based on his novel Angel Down, after previously working together on the upcoming feature adaptation of his survival thriller novel Whalefall.
- Angel Down follows a group of soldiers in WWI who are tasked with euthanizing a wounded comrade, but instead find a fallen angel that may hold the key to ending the war.
- Kraus will pen the film adaptation himself, with Brian Grazer producing and Allan Mandelbaum and Valerie Novotny overseeing the project.
- Imagine Entertainment has a number of upcoming projects, including The Mosquito Bowl, How to Rob a Bank, and Spaceballs 2, as well as co-founder Ron Howard’s next film, Alone at Dawn.
Introduction to Angel Down
The upcoming film adaptation of Daniel Kraus’ novel Angel Down is a highly anticipated project, especially after the success of his previous collaboration with Imagine Entertainment on the feature adaptation of his survival thriller novel Whalefall. The novel, which was named one of the 10 Best Books of 2025 by The New York Times, tells the story of Private Cyril Bagger, a soldier who has managed to survive the horrors of WWI through his wits and deception. However, his survival instincts are put to the ultimate test when he and four other soldiers are given a deadly mission: to venture into the perilous No Man’s Land to euthanize a wounded comrade. What they find, however, is not a man in need of mercy, but a fallen angel, seemingly struck down by artillery fire.
The Story Behind Angel Down
The story of Angel Down is a complex and thought-provoking one, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the human condition. The novel is set during WWI, a time of great turmoil and upheaval, and follows a group of soldiers who are tasked with completing a mission that will test their courage, loyalty, and humanity. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of No Man’s Land, they must confront their own demons and work together in order to survive. The discovery of the fallen angel adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, raising questions about the nature of war, morality, and the human condition. The novel’s unique blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and adventure elements has made it a standout in the literary world, and its adaptation into a film is highly anticipated.
Collaboration with Imagine Entertainment
Daniel Kraus’ collaboration with Imagine Entertainment on the film adaptation of Angel Down is a significant one, marking the second time the two have worked together. Their previous collaboration on the feature adaptation of Whalefall was a successful one, with the film set to be released in theaters on October 16. Kraus has spoken highly of his experience working with Imagine, stating that he had a "dream experience" with the company on Whalefall and that he is excited to be working with them again on Angel Down. Imagine Entertainment’s Allan Mandelbaum has also praised Kraus, calling him "one of the most distinct voices and extraordinary talents" the company has come across in recent memory. The collaboration between Kraus and Imagine Entertainment is a testament to the company’s commitment to working with talented writers and bringing unique and compelling stories to the screen.
Kraus’ Background and Previous Work
Daniel Kraus is a highly acclaimed author, known for his unique and genre-bending stories. His novel Whalefall, which is set to be released as a film, won the Alex Award and was named a Best Book of 2023 by NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, and more. Kraus has also co-authored The Shape of Water with Guillermo del Toro, which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film. He has also co-authored Trollhunters with del Toro, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. Kraus’ experience working with del Toro has likely influenced his approach to storytelling, and his unique blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and adventure elements has made him a standout in the literary world.
Imagine Entertainment’s Upcoming Slate
Imagine Entertainment has a number of upcoming projects in the works, including The Mosquito Bowl, How to Rob a Bank, and Spaceballs 2, as well as co-founder Ron Howard’s next film, Alone at Dawn. The company’s commitment to working with talented writers and bringing unique and compelling stories to the screen is evident in its upcoming slate. With the addition of Angel Down to its roster, Imagine Entertainment is poised to continue its streak of producing high-quality and thought-provoking films. The company’s ability to adapt complex and nuanced stories into films that resonate with audiences is a testament to its dedication to storytelling and its commitment to working with talented writers like Daniel Kraus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the upcoming film adaptation of Daniel Kraus’ novel Angel Down is a highly anticipated project that promises to bring a unique and thought-provoking story to the screen. With its complex characters, moral themes, and historical setting, the novel is a standout in the literary world, and its adaptation into a film is likely to be a successful one. The collaboration between Kraus and Imagine Entertainment is a significant one, marking the second time the two have worked together. With Imagine Entertainment’s commitment to working with talented writers and bringing unique and compelling stories to the screen, the film adaptation of Angel Down is sure to be a success.
