Deadline says that Arsonistssensational novel from ro kwon, is being adapted into a limited series of the same name and is being developed by FilmNation Entertainment TV. Jessica Jones as well as Star Trek: Discovery writer Lisa Randolph is on board to write the series, with cogonad (Pachinko, After Yang) set straight.
Story Arsonists touches on heavy topics like faith and intimacy, and it’s largely based on Kwon’s own loss of faith when he was a young man. Set at Edwards University in the fictional Knoxhurst, New York, the story follows the characters Phoebe Lin and Will Kendall, two students who meet in college with their traumatic past, who begin to bond with each other. The novel chronicles their growing relationship as another student named John Leal coaxes Phoebe into joining a mysterious group known as Jeja. While we know that Randolph and Kogonada have joined the adaptation, no cast members have been announced as of this writing. In addition to the announcement, the author of Kown also provided a statement to Deadline stating:
I have been writing for ten years Arsonists, after which it was even more encouraging that the book was recognized as a national bestseller from the first week of publication and named the best book of the year by more than forty publications. Now I’m thrilled that Arsonists found her place on the team that I’m so excited about: I deeply admire the work of FilmNation and am in awe of Lisa Randolph’s brilliant scripts that are both so faithful to the novel and tell its story in new ways that I couldn’t have imagined. . I have loved and reviewed Kogonada’s work for many years.
Randolph’s last role was co-executive producer. Prodigal son at Fox. Other loans include the above Jessica Jones on Netflix and Paramount+ Star Trek: Discovery, as well as other series such as The CW Reign and FX Shield. “When I read Ro Kwon’s novel after it came out four years ago, I was captivated by its breathtaking beauty. I have been following him ever since. I’m so excited to be working with FilmNation to bring the story of Will and Phoebe to a new audience that I know will be equally drawn to this gripping story of love, grief and faith. Partnering with a visionary artist like Kogonada on this absolutely passionate project is what creative dreams are made of,” Randolph said in a statement to Deadline.
Kogonada directed the pilot and several episodes of the popular Apple TV drama series. Pachinko, where he also served as an executive producer. Previous credits also include being a writer-director for A24 and Cinereach 2021. After Yang. Among the upcoming projects is an untitled series about the murder Vincent Chin which is executive produced by Chloe Zhao. He also issued a statement to Deadline, saying, “I was immediately taken by Ro Kwon’s story of class, reinvention, loss and radicalization of faith that feels more relevant than ever. I am thrilled to be working with Lisa Randolph and FilmNation to help bring this exciting, candid work to life.”
FilmNation Entertainment, Vice President of Television Courtney Saladino and FilmNation Entertainment EVP Television Stephanie Burkewill take over the leadership of the project Andreas Zupanos Kritikos curates the series on behalf of Wishmore Entertainment. FilmNation Entertainment will co-produce with Wishmore Entertainment. Two companies are currently eyeing the project. “As soon as we read Arsonists we were captivated by the brilliance of Ro Kwon’s unique characters and the deep themes of the story,” Burke said. “This book is an intense exploration of how a crisis of faith and the burning passion of first love combine to drive people to unimaginable extremes. Lisa and Kogonada are the perfect creative partnership to bring this book to television and we are thrilled to be collaborating with both of them.”
There are no other details about the adaptation. Arsonists were revealed. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates on the upcoming limited series.
Source: Collider
