American cable network Showtime is set to develop a series adaptation of Australian film, Animal Kingdom.
The 2010 crime drama, set in Melbourne, explores the fierce struggle between a notorious crime family and the police as they attempt to maintain ordinary lives despite their criminal tendencies.
Deadline.com said that the American series will be a John Wells/Warner Bros TV production. Wells, known for acclaimed mini-series Mildred Pierce and Showtime’s Shameless, will also be executive producer alongside Jonathan Lisco, Andrew Stearn, and Animal Kingdom’s writer-director David Michôd and producer Liz Watts.
"David and I are delighted to see the world of Animal Kingdom expand into another format in the talented hands of John Wells and co," Watts said in an email.
Animal Kingdom won the World Cinema Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered in the US. Jacki Weaver also earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of matriarch Smurf Cody.
The Hollywood Reporter said the new hour-long series is part of Showtime’s expansion into genres beyond its successful but female-oriented Weeds and Nurse Jackie series.