Blake Lively has been cast to star in and produce a new action romantic comedy titled ‘The Survival List’ for Lionsgate, based on a spec script by Tom Melia. The film follows a highbrow reality TV producer who must survive on a deserted island with a fraudulent survival expert, leading to unexpected romance.
Blake Lively, a prominent actress known for films like ‘A Simple Favor’ and ‘It Ends with Us,’ is taking on the lead role and producing duties for this project. Her involvement signals a continuation of her successful partnership with Lionsgate and highlights her expanding role behind the camera in Hollywood.
The film, ‘The Survival List,’ is an action romantic comedy that centers on Annie, a reality TV producer reluctantly assigned to a show hosted by famed survival expert Chopper Lane. When a shipwreck strands them on a deserted island, Annie discovers Chopper is a fraud with no actual survival skills, forcing her to take charge of their survival while they develop an unlikely chemistry.
The announcement was made on August 21, 2025, with reports confirming the deal through outlets like Deadline and Variety. This timing places the news within the last 24 hours, making it a current event in the entertainment industry.
Lionsgate, the studio behind the project, is known for previous collaborations with Lively, including the ‘A Simple Favor’ films. The acquisition of the spec script by Tom Melia demonstrates the studio’s confidence in Lively’s star power and ability to drive successful franchises.
The project originated from a spec script written by British writer Tom Melia, who gained acclaim for ‘Rye Lane’ and his work on TV series like ‘Brassic.’ Lionsgate moved quickly to acquire it as a vehicle for Lively, capitalizing on her recent box office successes and industry relationships.
The deal was confirmed by Deadline, with Scott O’Brien overseeing for Lionsgate. Marc Platt, an Oscar-nominated producer known for ‘Wicked’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ is in talks to produce alongside Lively, adding significant production expertise to the project.
This news reinforces Lively’s status as a leading actress and producer, potentially launching another hit film series. While some online comments have criticized the casting or expressed skepticism, the industry response has been largely positive, focusing on the creative potential and Lively’s track record.
Next steps involve finalizing production details, including confirming Marc Platt’s involvement and beginning pre-production tasks like casting supporting roles. The film is expected to enter production in the coming months, with a release date likely announced after further development.