An unknown writer, a fast-rising feeding frenzy, and a true multimillion-dollar deal. It’s enough to make executives or aspiring screenplay authors dream of the heady spec script deals of the 1990s.

A24 has won the auction for an untitled erotic thriller spec by Dylan Brady. Nicole Kidman is among stars in talks to star.

After a competitive bidding war, Fifth Season, the financing and production banner formerly known as Endeavor Content, and Brad Weston’s Makeready banner have acquired the spec script “Alignment” from ...