Matt Aldrich’s Debut Novel ‘The Natural Order’ Sells To Simon & Schuster​on March 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm

EXCLUSIVE: Fresh off Universal landing film rights to The Natural Order with Barry Jenkins attached to direct and Glen Powell attached to star, Matthew Aldrich’s unpublished manuscript has sold to a U.S. publisher.

In a preemptive deal, Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, acquired North American rights for a significant six-figure sum. Atria plans to publish in fall 2026.

The deal follows news of the high-profile sale to Universal that is considered one of the year’s bigger package deals given the talent involved.

“The Natural Order by Matthew Aldrich is the most exciting debut novel I’ve read in years,” said Peter Borland, VP and Editor in Chief of Atria Books. “A cerebral thriller that is both riveting and emotionally resonant, it asks big questions about our society’s relentless pursuit of longevity and the unexpected dangers of becoming immortal.”

Aldrich most notably wrote Coco for Disney/Pixar, with the film grossing more than $800 million at the global box office in 2017, eventually winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Warner Bros and DC Studios just greenlit his screenplay for Dynamic Duo, the Robin origin story, and has dated the film for a summer 2028 release.

CAA’s Mollie Glick handled the Natural Order sale. Aldrich is further repoed by manager Jewerl Keats Ross and lawyer Jamie Feldman.