The film-to-TV trend continues. American network TNT has reportedly ordered a ten-episode adaptation of director Bong Joon-ho‘s 2013 futuristic sci-fi thriller, Snowpiercer.
The film followed characters trapped in a perpetually-in-motion super train that houses the last remnants of humanity, endlessly travelling around a now uninhabitable world, yet the passengers on board are still separated by antiquated classism.
TNT obviously view this adaptation as a big deal, as they’ve brought Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs on board to star in the lead roles. The pilot has been written by Josh Friedman (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) and the network has also brought in a rising big name to direct: Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange). No showrunner has yet been announced.
Sarah Aubrey, EVP of original programming at TNT, spoke highly of the upcoming project:
“I’m a personal fan of Bong Joon-ho’s epic film, and jumped at the chance to honour his original vision, yet expand upon the world and characters with a diverse, award-winning cast. Science fiction is the perfect genre to examine issues of race, class, gender and natural resources with thought-provoking and exciting storytelling. Snowpiercer will explore those relevant issues while embarking on a wild, action-filled ride”.
While it’s easy to roll your eyes at another TV show unwilling to take risks and do something original, instead choosing the safer route of adapting an already established product with a built-in audience, Snowpiercer the film certainly contained some great world building, with plenty of that world left unexplored because of the nature of the film’s self-contained narrative.
Hopefully the TV adaptation can be the rare film-to-TV project that actually has legs and isn’t just an easy cash-in. There’s plenty to explore in the world of Snowpiercer, and on paper, it looks like TNT have the creative team and cast to pull off something memorable.
There is currently no release date announced for the show.
#Peace.Love.Snowpiercer
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