Jake Gyllenhaalhas set up a new television project that will no doubt attract major attention. The project in question is a limited series adaptation ofJo Nesbø’s bookThe Son. If Nesbø’s name rings a bell, it’s because also wroteThe Snowman, which was (infamously) adapted into a 2017 movie starringMichael Fassbender. Gyllenhaal’s involvement inThe Sonmarks the second big TV project for the actor — a notable anomaly considering his resumé has been populated with movie roles and one-off guest appearances on the occasional TV show.
Gyllenhaal will both star in and executive produce through his Nine Stories banner. the limited series adaptation ofThe Sonover at HBO. As previously mentioned, this is Gyllenhaal’s second big TV project but it’s also his second TV projectat HBO. Back in April 2019, it was announced Gyllenhaal would also star in thelimited seriesLake Success, which seems to still be in the early production stages. Gyllenhaal will also reunite with hisEnemyandPrisonersdirectorDenis VilleneuveforThe Son. Villeneuve is set to direct all episodes of the limited series as well as executive produce. And, as if this project didn’t already pack a punch with this creative duo leading the way, HBO notes in their announcement thatWestworldduoJonathan NolanandLisa Joyhave also boardedThe Sonas executive producers under their Kilter Films banner. Additionally,LenoreZionwill serve asThe Son’s showrunner and executive produce, and Nine Stories’RivaMarkerand Kilter Films’AthenaWickhamwill also executive produce.
Originally planned as a feature film,The Sonwill now be transformed into a multi-episode series that tells the story of one father’s quest for vengeance set amid Oslo’s brutal hierarchy of corruption.The Sonwas released back in 2014 and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. In a statement onThe Sonfinally lifting off with a masterful creative team behind it, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming Francesca Orsi commented, “Jonah and Lisa are a formidable creative force and we are excited to collaborate with them again, alongside the brilliant Lenore, to adapt Jo Nesbø’s novel. Denis is a master at weaving visually exquisite and unique narratives, Jake is a gifted actor and producer whose work often traverses provocative and compelling terrain, and of course, he and Denis have collaborated brilliantly in the past. We are beyond excited to see how this powerhouse team tackles this exceptional work.”
We’ll keep you posted as HBO’sThe Sondevelops. Get even more HBO news and updateshere.
Allie Gemmill is the Weekend Contributing Editor for Collider. you may follow them on Twitter@_matineeidle.
