LaKeith Stanfield has signed on to star in The Changeling, a new drama series based on Victor LaValle‘s best-selling horror novel of the same name. The series is in the works at Apple, who have announced a series order.
Despite the matching titles and frequency of reboots nowadays, the show has nothing to do with the 1980 psychological horror film of the same name. LaValle’s novel has been described as “a horror story, a parenthood fable, and a perilous odyssey,” and follows a man named Apollo Kagawa as he settles into his life as a new father.
As his wife Emma struggles with what appears to be postpartum depression, she begins acting strangely detached, before doing the unthinkable and apparently vanishing into thin air. Apollo then embarks on an epic journey through an enchanted version of New York City to find her.
Venom scribe Kelly Marcel will adapt the book into a series, having previously also adapted E.L. James‘ 50 Shades Of Grey for its big screen adaptation. She will also serve as showrunner and executive producer. Melina Matsoukas (Queen & Slim) will direct and executive produce the series.
The project was first announced in 2018, a year after LaValle’s novel debuted. At the time, the adaptation was being developed for FX by Annapurna Pictures, but Apple have since picked up the rights.
The company will be hoping The Changeling can join hit original shows like Ted Lasso and Central Park and keep Apple TV+ on pace to survive and potentially compete with big guns like Netflix.
With major talent behind the camera and Stanfield in front of it, the show definitely has major potential. Apple will be crossing their fingers that this can be their Haunting At Hill House equivalent.
Stanfield was last seen getting a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his role in Judas And The Black Messiah. He’ll next be seen in Netflix’s stacked western The Harder They Fall, which also stars Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, and Regina King.
#Peace.Love.TheChangeling
