Focus Features to Begin Production on Spoiler Alert This Fall

Focus Features will begin production this fall in New York City on a film adaptation of Michael Ausiello's best-selling memoir, "Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies," to be titled SPOILER ALERT, Kiska Higgs, President of Production and Acquisitions, announced Thursday. Additionally, Ben Aldridge (Fleabag, Pennyworth) is set to star opposite Jim Parsons in the tragicomic love story, which will be directed by Michael Showalter from a screenplay by David Marshall Grant, Dan Savage and Michael Ausiello.

In his acclaimed 2017 memoir, Ausiello (played by Parsons in the film) unpacks the emotional maelstrom into which his relationship was plunged in the 11 months that took his partner, photographer Kit (Aldridge), from his diagnosis with terminal cancer to his passing. Interwoven in the narrative are glimpses of the roller-coaster ride that was the couple's 14-year romance.

"The moment I finished Michael Ausiello’s incredible book, I knew Focus needed to make this film," said Higgs. “We fell head over heels in love with Michael and Kit, and their classic New York romance, and we can't wait to see what Jim and Ben breathe into the roles. With Showalter’s vision for the story’s heart and humor, we hope not only to do justice to Michael and Kit’s story but also to inspire the audience to love them as much as we do.”

Showalter is also producing with Jordana Mollick under their Semi-Formal Productions banner. Parsons is also producing with Todd Spiewak and Alison Mo Massey under their That’s Wonderful Productions banner. Ausiello will serve as an executive producer.

Aldridge is represented by UTA, Anonymous Content, Hamilton Hodell, and Peikoff Mahan. Semi-Formal is represented by UTA, Artists First and Goodman Genow. That’s Wonderful Productions is represented at CAA, Principal and Gang Tyre Ramer & Brown.