Ashley Avis has been tapped to write and direct “American Wolf” for Apple Original Films.
Based on the novel by Nate Blakeslee, the film tells the compelling true story of O-Six, a highly intelligent female wolf whose rise and tragic fall brought the persecution of her species to light. O-Six’s journey intertwines with that of a reclusive naturalist, a dedicated activist, and a fearless biologist, as they risk everything to protect the fragile recovery of wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Sources say the film is still in development and has not yet been approved.
Appian Way will produce the film, with Blakeslee serving as a consulting producer. Appian Way is producing with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davison.
The film was previously developed by Appian Way at Warners. After seeing Avis's documentary “Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West,” which dealt with the U.S. government's treatment of wild horse populations, Appian Way engaged Avis to write and direct the film, and they sold “American Wolf” as a pitch to Apple.
“Wild Beauty” was nominated for a 2023 Critics’ Choice Award and received a special congressional commendation. Even before her new film was announced, Avis became active in protecting wolves from torture, cruelty, and senseless killing.
In addition to her advertising work, Avis is also set to write and direct the remake of “City of Angels” for Warner Bros., with Charles Roven and Paul Perez producing. She most recently directed “The Lamb,” becoming the first Western woman ever to direct a film in Saudi Arabia, for MBC and Jeremy Bolt. Previously, Ashley wrote, directed and edited the remake of “Black Beauty,” starring Kate Winslet and Mackenzie Foy for Disney+. Avis and her husband and producing partner Edward Winters co-founded Winterstone Pictures in Los Angeles.
Avis is repped by WME, Hopscotch Pictures and Yorn Levine. Blakeslee is repped by Hotchkiss Daiy & Associates. Appian Way is repped by LBI and Hanson Jacobson.
