The Thicket (novel)
| Company type | Book publisher / Imprint |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
| Website | www |
The Thicket is a suspense and mystery novel authored by American writer Joe R. Lansdale, released by Mulholland Books on September 10, 2013. The book’s title alludes to the Big Thicket, a thickly wooded area located in Southeast Texas. It earned recognition from the Library Journal as one of the top historical fiction works of 2013. A trade paperback version became available on October 14, 2014.
Premise
Set in turn-of-the-century East Texas, the story follows Jack Parker, who becomes an orphan due to a smallpox outbreak. His hardships multiply when bank robbers kill his grandfather and abduct his sister, Lula. Determined to save her and collect the reward on the criminals, Jack forms an unlikely group consisting of Shorty, a dwarf bounty hunter; Eustace, a grave digger and son of a former slave; and Jimmie Sue, a savvy woman familiar with the gang’s operations. Their quest takes them deep into the dangerous Big Thicket, where they encounter brutal and merciless foes, casting uncertainty over Lula’s fate.
Film adaptation
In 2014, producer Gianni Nunnari revealed plans for a movie adaptation of The Thicket, with Peter Dinklage attached to portray Shorty.
By April 2019, Elliott Lester was confirmed as director, while Chris Kelley was assigned to write the screenplay.
In February 2020, casting announcements included Sophia Lillis, Noomi Rapace, and Charlie Plummer joining the project.
In March 2023, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, and Levon Hawke replaced Rapace, Plummer, and Lillis respectively. Additional cast members introduced were Leslie Grace, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Macon Blair, James Hetfield, Ned Dennehy, Andrew Schulz, and Arliss Howard.