Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret Adaptation (2023): Everything We Know So Far

Judy Blume is one of the most beloved children’s book authors out there but rarely have we ever gotten to see those stories taken to the screen. But now we finally have the new Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret adaptation to look forward to. This is the kind of move that will be for the whole family. Adults who grew up with this book will be taking their kids, who are the ones that need to hear and see the message.
 
Don’t forget to check out the masterlist of all the EWKSF adaptation posts here on Alison in Libraryland!
 
This page was updated: 7/28/23
 

About The Book:

No one ever told Margaret Simon that eleven-going-on- twelve would be such a hard age. When her family moves to New Jersey, she has to adjust to life in the suburbs, a different school, and a whole new group of friends. Margaret knows she needs someone to talk to about growing up-and it’s not long before she’s found a solution. So Margaret makes her way through sixth grade the best she can. She tries out a bunch of different religions to see if one fits. She may not have a formal religion, but that doesn’t get in the way of this girl’s regular chats with big guy in the sky. She meets her long-lost grandparents. She spends a lot of time worrying about when she’ll get her period. She gets a crush on an older boy. She goes to her first supper party.
 
bookshop.org // Amazon // Audiobook
 

Current Production Status:

Released in April 2023.
 

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret Adaptation Timeline:

The book was first released in 1970. Judy Blume notoriously did not sell the rights to the majority of her books, with the only other adaptions being a few tv movies in the 70’s and 80’s that she was fully involved with. But despite rejecting multiple offers in all of the years it was published, in early 2020 she sold the film rights for an Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret adaptation to James L. Brooks and Kelly Fremon Craig who had worked together on the film ‘The Edge of Seventeen”. It was also announced at the same time that Lionsgate had won the bidding war for the distribution rights of the film, which would be going to theaters.
In February 2021 the lead was announced. In the following months more casting announcements were made and filming began in April. It was reported in July that filming had wrapped and the project was moving into post-production.
A release date for late 2022 was announced in January 2022, but in June it was pushed to April 2023.
 
Despite critical acclaim and rave reviews the movie did not fare well in theaters and only made $21 million at the box office.
 

Where Can I Watch The Movie?

As of July 2023 you can purchase the film digitally or on DVD/Blu-ray.
It is not available to stream anywhere yet.
 

Reception:

The show currently has a 99% tomatometer and 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. 7.4/10 on IMDb.
 

Who Owns The Rights:

Lionsgate won the distribution rights in a bidding war.
 

Who Is Attached:

Abby Ryder Fortson will be playing the lead character, Margaret. Other members of the cast include Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Elle Graham, and Ethan McDowell.
 

Filming Locations:

The movie was shot in Charlotte, North Carolina.
 

Estimated Release:

April 28th, 2023.

 

Previous mentions on AiLL:

n/a
 

Other Adaptations From This Author:

‘Tiger Eyes’ was the first Judy Blume book to be adapted into a theatrical film.
 
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Happy Reading!!
~Alison

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret Adaptation: Everything We Know So Far

 
Hi there! I’m Alison in Libraryland, and I’ll be here for all your book related needs. Many of you know me as the girl with the book recommendations. Don’t be shy! Ask me! If you’re looking for a good book or movie adaptation, let me help you find it. I’ll be here for all your literary needs. This is a book blog run on an obsession for shiny new books, worn-through old classics, and all attempts at moving those stories to the screen.