Acclaimed actress Danielle Deadwyler, who received a Gotham Award for her performance in “Till,” is collaborating with producers Alix Madigan and Michael Sherman to develop “The Street,” a film adaptation of Ann Petry’s groundbreaking novel. Deadwyler will both star in and produce the project.

Gina Atwater, known for her work on “Westworld,” has joined the team as screenwriter and executive producer.

Petry’s influential 1946 debut novel, which was reissued in 2022, made history as the first book by an African American woman to sell more than one million copies. The story follows Lutie Johnson, a young Black mother (to be portrayed by Deadwyler) who strives to raise her son amid the poverty, violence, and racial tensions of 1940s Harlem.

In the announcement of the project’s development, Deadwyler expressed how deeply the novel impacted her understanding of “motherhood, Black and American family life experiences on how to just get by historically, and the festering emotions that seed alongside the wilted optimism and dark hope of the American Dream.”

Deadwyler emphasized the literary significance of “The Street,” noting its critical acclaim upon publication. She added that through this collaboration with Madigan, Sherman, Atwater, and the Petry estate, they hope to create a powerful film adaptation that captures the story of “the lengths to which one mother, one woman is stretched for self, family and the costs of survival.”

Producers Madigan and Sherman shared their enthusiasm for the project, stating they are “inspired to be a part of bringing Ann Petry’s harrowing classic to life” and couldn’t imagine better creative partners for this endeavor.

Deadwyler currently stars in Universal and Blumhouse’s horror film “The Woman in the Yard,” which premiered on March 28. Her recent work includes Netflix’s action thriller “Carry-On,” along with notable performances in “Station Eleven,” “Till,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “The Harder They Fall.” Her upcoming projects include HBO’s untitled comedy series starring Steve Carell from Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses, and Warner Bros. TV, as well as Fifth Season’s “Otis & Zelma” opposite John Boyega, which she is also executive producing.

Atwater, who wrote for HBO’s “Westworld” and recently concluded a multi-year deal with Netflix, is currently writing and producing “Myrtis,” based on bull rider Myrtis Dightman’s life, with Dee Rees attached to direct. She is also developing projects with Orion Pictures and Ley Line Entertainment.

Madigan, an Oscar nominee, has produced films including “Winter’s Bone” and “Hold Your Breath,” while Sherman’s production credits include “The Truffle Hunters,” “The Fight,” and “Native Son.”

Deadwyler is represented by Paradigm, Play Management, and Ziffren Brittenham, while Atwater’s representation includes The Mission Entertainment, CAA, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer.