Brie Larson is the latest star to ink a deal with Apple TV+, and also the latest big name to make the jump to leading a mini-series. The Academy Award winning actress and Marvel star has signed on to star in a drama titled Lessons In Chemistry, which is based on the upcoming debut book of the same name by author, science editor and copyrighter Bonnie Garmus.
Set in the early 1960s, the series follows Elizabeth Zott, whose dream of being a scientist is put on hold in a sexist society encouraging women to remain domesticated and not focus on a professional career. When Elizabeth finds herself pregnant, alone, and fired from her lab, she accepts a job as a host on a TV cooking show.
She soon begins teaching a nation of overlooked housewives – and men who are suddenly listening – a lot more than recipes, while craving to return to her true love of science.
The series comes from Susannah Grant, who previously earned an Oscar nomination for Erin Brockovich and was also at the helm of the acclaimed Netflix mini series Unbelievable. Larson will also executive produce alongside Grant and Jason Bateman, and Apple has given the show a straight-to-series order.
As mentioned, Larson is the latest major name Apple have snapped up as they attempt to compete with streaming heavyweights such as Netflix and Disney. The company has Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks on board for Masters Of The Air, Samuel L. Jackson in The Last Days Of Ptolemy Gray, Will Smith in Emancipation, Leonardo DiCaprio in Killers Of The Flower Moon, and plenty more.
Just like Netflix continue to do, Apple also seems to be trying to hit every demographic possible with their content choices. Lessons In Chemistry should be a solid hit since it boasts a big name in Larson and a successful and experienced creative head at the helm in Grant. Apple will be hoping for some awards recognition too, something else that helped legitimise Netflix almost a decade ago.
This is currently the only project Larson has lined up. So we’ll see whether that means the show is quickly moving into production, or whether she has another big role in the works.
#Peace.Love.LessonsInChemistry
