HBO is set to develop a limited series based on the Gillian Flynn novel ‘Dark Places,’ as reported exclusively by Variety. The author herself will serve as co-creator, writer, and co-showrunner on the project, holding the rights to the novel. Joining her as co-showrunner, co-creator, and writer is Brett Johnson, with Guerrin Gardner also credited as co-creator and writer. Executive producers for the series include Theresa Kang and Caroline Garity of Blue Marble Pictures, along with Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi of Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment.
‘Dark Places,’ originally published in 2009, follows the story of Libby Day, who, as a seven-year-old, survived the murder of her mother and two sisters in the infamous 1985 ‘Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas.’ She testified against her teenage brother, Ben, as the killer. The plot unfolds 25 years later when a pair of mother/daughter true crime ‘detectives’ seek out an adult Libby, believing in Ben’s innocence. Libby, hoping to profit from her tragic history, embarks on a journey to reconnect with the individuals involved in the incident and report her findings for a fee. As she delves into her search, the shocking truth emerges, leading her to confront the past and a killer once again.
If the project moves forward, it will mark the latest adaptation of Flynn’s work for the screen. ‘Dark Places’ was previously adapted into a 2015 film starring Charlize Theron, which grossed $5.1 million worldwide. Flynn has a successful history with HBO, having previously collaborated on the limited series ‘Sharp Objects,’ starring Amy Adams and receiving multiple Emmy nominations. Her acclaimed novel ‘Gone Girl’ was also adapted into a hit film, with Flynn penning the screenplay. Her other screen credits include ‘Utopia’ at Amazon and the feature film ‘Widows.’
Johnson, known for co-creating the Emmy-winning Showtime limited series ‘Escape at Dannemora,’ has also contributed to shows like ‘Ray Donovan,’ ‘Mad Men,’ and the Hulu limited series ‘Chance.’
