Backlist titles take two-thirds of Hollywood screen-rights checks

Backlist titles, meaning books published at least a year ago, now account for two-thirds of Hollywood book-to-screen rights checks, meaning searches for who controls screen rights. Rightscenter analysed 41,771 checks from 2019 to 2026, Publishers Lunch reported on 20 October 2026. Rightscenter said: “Hollywood has shifted its acquisition philosophy to proven readership.”