Just yesterday, we talked about Amazon signing Jordan Peele’s production company, Monkeypaw, to an overall TV deal. We mentioned how another attempt by Amazon to become a major player in the war between streaming services, currently dominated by Netflix. Well, today is further proof that Amazon is really trying their best to become the premier place for TV.
READ MORE: Amazon Signs Exclusive TV Deal With Jordan Peele And His Production Company
According to reports, Amazon has just given the green light to a new series titled “The Underground Railroad,” which will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Barry Jenkins. The series, as you might imagine from the title, tells the story of two slaves in Georgia that use the titular “railroad” to escape from slavery.
The series is based on the novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead. Previously, it was reported that Amazon had interest in the series and that it would move forward with Jenkins attached. However, the extent of his involvement was unknown. Now, we know that not only is Jenkins going to be involved, but he’ll also direct each of the 11 episodes.
“Working with Amazon and a wonderful group of screenwriters to develop Colson’s novel into a limited series has been an extremely rewarding experience,” Jenkins said. ”Translating his singular voice into a cohesive and equally singular visual language is a task I very much look forward to.”
“It’s an absolute gift to have Barry Jenkins commit to directing all the episodes for our upcoming limited series ‘The Underground Railroad.’ Barry’s eye for character and sustained exhilarating, emotional storytelling style ensures that this project is in the right hands. We can’t wait to get started and bring this significant story to our Prime Video audience,” said Amazon Studios boss Jennifer Salke.
Jenkins is currently in post-production on his latest feature film, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” which everyone assumes will have its premiere later this year. And now, it appears that “The Underground Railroad” is next on the agenda for the Oscar-winning filmmaker.