Filmmakers doing telly is not a new phenomenon. So many directors are flitting between screens big and small that our eyebrows barely rise when we hear word of another making the leap. Still, it’s exciting to see David Cronenberg back dabbling, and he’s certainly chosen an intriguing new project, throwing his creative weight behind Knifeman.
Adapted from Wendy Moore’s biography, the planned show will follow the highs and lows in the life and career of a radical, self-educated surgeon who delves deep (usually literally) into the secrets of the human body.
It’s been created by former Friday Night Lights writer Rolin Jones, who worked from a story crafted alongside colleague Ron Fitzgerald. Cronenberg will be a producing partner and also plans to direct the pilot. Sam Raimi (no slouch in the TV world himself) is also aboard as an executive producer.
Right now, the show is in need of both a leading man and a home, as it has yet to be shopped around to networks and studios. But given Media Rights Capital is involved, there’s a chance it could end up with Netflix, as in the case of MRC’s House Of Cards, which has David Fincher and Kevin Spacey involved.
This is by no means Cronenberg’s first stab at TV. He’s been both behind and in front of the camera numerous times, most famously tackling an episode of the Friday The 13th goggle-box spinoff and Canadian shows such as Teleplay and Peep Show.
Cronenberg’s next film is the Robert Pattinson-starring Cosmopolis, which the director is now moving through post-production ready for a release this year.