The reveal of the 2025 Black List offers a compelling snapshot of emerging narratives that not only highlight the creative pulse of the industry but also resonate with ongoing cultural conversations. This year’s collection showcases scripts centered around iconic figures such as Yoko Ono and Kobe Bryant, as well as innovative concepts like an AI-generated David Bowie.
The annual Black List highlights the best unproduced screenplays, voted on by a panel of 500 film executives, reflective of their potential to shape the upcoming cinematic landscape. This year, with 74 standout entries, the list is again a mix of seasoned talents and emerging writers, reflecting a wide spectrum of creative voices. Previous Black List honorees have gone on to become major hits, such as Promising Young Woman and Spotlight.
Leading the pack in 2025 is the erotic thriller Best Seller by Matisse Haddad. This story delves into the life of a struggling writer whose viral tell-all ignites personal and professional upheaval, signifying a continued interest in narratives focusing on complex interpersonal relationships.
Other notable mentions include a disaster film set in a Waffle House, titled The Waffle House Index by Andrew Nunnelly, and a supernatural thriller on Mt. Everest called Frostbite by Michael Jones, showcasing a thrilling blend of genre storytelling.
Franklin Leonard, the founder of the Black List, remarked on this year’s submissions, noting a collective preoccupation with societal systems and a yearning to envision a better future. Such themes may echo strongly within the collectibles community, reflecting shifting values in both the toy and film industries.
In particular, scripts that draw upon cultural icons—such as Oh Yoko!, which explores Yoko Ono’s journey alongside John Lennon, and With the 8th Pick, centered around Kobe Bryant’s NBA draft—underscore the potential for tie-in merchandise and collectibles, tapping into nostalgia and historical relevance.
As collectors and retailers look towards upcoming film productions, keeping an eye on these scripts can provide insight into future merchandise opportunities and trends, particularly regarding new narrative directions that may influence the types of collectibles fans will seek.
See the full 2025 Black List below:
BEST SELLER by Matisse Haddad
In New York’s literary scene, a struggling writer, pressured by her famous novelist husband to have a baby, pens a tell-all article that goes viral. This sparks a dangerous battle of seduction, manipulation, and betrayal in the public and private spheres.
AGENT: Independent Artist Group (Nick Beldoch, Jessica Zou)
MANAGEMENT: Bellevue Productions (John Zaozirny, Zack Zucker)
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Peter Rice, Jason Reitman
AGENT: Range Media Partners (Alain Carles, Andrew Nallathambi)
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Killer Films, Vertigo
Additional scripts to explore include:
- AGENT: United Talent Agency (Anna Flickinger, John Kaiser) MANAGEMENT: Masino – Artists First (Haley Jones, Casey Neumeier) PRODUCTION COMPANY: Berlanti/Schechter Films
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2025-black-list-yoko-ono-kobe-bryant-1236445704/.
