Having had plenty of success in general, but especially with snatching big name Hollywood actors for limited series such as True Detective and Big Little Lies, HBO is developing a new high profile limited series. This one is titled I Know This Much Is True, and will be an eight episode drama starring Mark Ruffalo.
Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond The Pines) is set to write and direct the project while Ruffalo will also produce, with production also coming from FilmNation (The Big Sick, Arrival).
The series will be based on the acclaimed 1998 novel of the same name by Willy Lamb, which follows the lives of identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey as they struggle with mental illness, personal tragedy and the journey towards recovery. Ruffalo will play both brothers in what’s sure to be a demanding role.
Ruffalo and Lamb have reportedly been developing the project for the last two years, in between Ruffalo’s full time work with Marvel as the Hulk. Right now there’s no dates set for release or even production, but naturally Ruffalo, having put so much time into developing the project, must be confident he’ll have enough time to go through with the tough role.
The synopsis for the book is as follows:
“‘On the afternoon of October 12, 1990, my twin brother, Thomas, entered the Three Rivers, Connecticut, public library, retreated to one of the rear study carrels, and prayed to God the sacrifice he was about to commit would be deemed acceptable. . . .’
One of the most acclaimed novels of our time, Wally Lamb’s I Know This Much Is True is a story of alienation and connection, devastation and renewal, at once joyous, heartbreaking, poignant, mystical, and powerfully, profoundly human”.
It’s another exciting project from HBO as they continue to develop prestige TV despite more competition than ever. Securing Ruffalo and Cianfrance is another coup that should pay dividends once Emmy season rolls around if the show capitalises on its potential.
#Peace.Love.IKnowThisMuchIsTrue
