HBO has greenlit The Chain, a Media Res project that marks Damon Lindelof’s first series from his two-year overall deal with the platform, signed in September.
The limited series is adapted from the bestselling book by Adrian McKinty, with Media Res as the co-studio. Lindelof previously made The Leftovers and Watchmen for HBO. On The Chain, he will serve as showrunner, a position not held since Watchmen.
The pilot story is by Damon Lindelof, Carly Wray, and Breannah Gibson, with Lindelof and Wray writing the pilot script. For Media Res, EPs are Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer. Shane Salerno serves as executive producer. McKinty serves as co-executive producer.
Francesca Orsi, EVP for HBO programming and head of HBO drama series and films, noted, “We are honored by our continued partnership with Damon Lindelof, one of the most singular and distinctive creators of our time. The Chain promises to continue his legacy of dropping us into the pit of the human brain and delivering in ways not only emotionally daring but, ultimately, transformative.”
Lindelof added, “From the moment I heard the wild and original premise of Adrian’s book, I was shocked, surprised, and angry I hadn’t thought of it myself. I’ve always wanted to try to adapt a great thriller, and this one has all the dark, weird, exhilarating touches that fire up my imagination. I feel so fortunate to reteam with Francesca, Casey and Michael, who first brought me to HBO 15 years ago and I can’t wait to make The Chain a memorable link in their outstanding legacy.”
