Working Title Films has acquired the screen rights to Bolu Babalola’s hit romance novel Honey and Spice, setting the British Nigerian author to adapt her own work for the big screen.
Published to widespread acclaim, Honey and Spice became a breakout bestseller on both sides of the Atlantic, set in motion by its warm storytelling, and an online fanbase that helped turn the book into a cultural talking point.
The novel—centered on Kiki Banjo, a sharp-tongued university radio host who reluctantly stumbles into a fake-relationship dynamic with the campus heartthrob she warned her friends about—was selected for Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and TikTok’s Book Club, later winning the social platform’s inaugural Book of the Year Award. It also earned year-end nods from Waterstones, New York Times, TIME, and NPR.
For Babalola, whose earlier work includes the Channel 4 series Big Age and the bestselling short-story collection Love In Colour, she said:
“Since Honey and Spice was published, I’ve been so appreciative of the incredible response from readers and the industry alike. As my debut novel, Kiki and Malakai’s story is so close to my heart, and I can’t wait to adapt their trials and tribulations in love for cinema audiences with the master of romantic films: Working Title.”
Amelia Granger, Head of Film and Television at Working Title Films, added:
“We’re always on the lookout for the next generation of storytellers who can reinvent the romantic comedy for audiences of every age. We knew we couldn’t miss this opportunity to work with Bolu, a talented writer every bit in the ascendancy, and who has created these wonderful characters who we just want to watch falling in love. We’re so excited to be working with Bolu to bring Honey and Spice to the big screen.”
Screenplay development is now underway, with casting and production details expected in the months ahead.
Congratulations, Bolu Babalola!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
