Kennedy Ryan to Develop ‘Before I Let Go’ at Peacock, Inks First-Look Deal at Universal

NY Times bestselling creator Kennedy Ryan is taking her widespread modern romance tales from the web page to the display thanks to a new first-look take care of Universal Studio Group.

Under the phrases of the settlement, Ryan will develop and produce collection for quite a lot of platforms and create unique IP for USG to adapt for tv under her Scribe Chick Media banner.

First up is the collection adaptation of her hit novel, “Before I Let Go,” which Ryan will co-write and govt produce alongside “The Best Man” franchise architect Malcolm D. Lee. The project is at present in development at Peacock.

“Before I Let Go,” the first e book in Ryan’s “Skyland” e book collection, follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade, lately separated co-parents and enterprise companions, as they navigate their new regular. “When they both begin dating again,” a synopsis of the novel explains, “they realize the flame and love they shared hasn’t fully gone away.”

Lee will direct and govt produce the collection for Blackmaled Productions, with extra govt producers including Debra Martin Chase for Martin Chase Productions; John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius for Get Lifted Film Co.; and Dominique Telson for Blackmaled Productions.

“This is an incredible opportunity that I never saw coming and don’t take for granted,” Ryan said in an announcement about the deal. “It’s not only the chance to extend the reach of my own brand and content, but also stories that amplify themes relevant to underrepresented communities, and shepherd those stories by other authors from book to screen. I’m thrilled about the projects I’m already collaborating on with the teams at Universal Studio Group, and looking forward to all I hope will come of this partnership.”

Jordan Moblo, USG’s govt VP of artistic acquisitions and IP administration, added: “Kennedy’s stories are deeply resonant and culturally impactful, and we are excited to collaborate on adaptations that honor her vision while connecting with audiences in bold, meaningful ways. Not only is she a celebrated and powerful voice in the literary space, but she leads with thoughtfulness and creativity. We can’t wait to work with her to bring these new and existing stories to life.”

In addition to the “Skyland” collection, Ryan is the creator of a number of modern novels, including “The Kingmaker” and the award-winning novel “Long Shot.” In 2022, Ryan made historical past at the Audie Awards, the highest recognition in audiobook publishing, for her novel “Reel,” changing into the first Black creator to win in the romance class. In 2025, she acquired another Audie Award for best romance audiobook for the second e book in the “Skyland” collection, “This Could Be Us.” The collection’s third e book, “Can’t Get Enough,” was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for excellent literary work, fiction.

Ryan’s upcoming novel, “Score,” the second in her “Hollywood Renaissance” collection, will likely be revealed May 19. She is represented by CAA, Untitled, BookEnds Literary Agency, GKSD Law and 2PM Sharp PR.