David E. Kelley‘s series adaptation of “The Bonfire Of The Vanities” is still happening, just not at Apple TV. Deadline reports that Kelley’s next TV project is looking for a new home, with Warner Bros. Television ready to shop it to other buyers after Apple opted not to move forward. The reason for that? Creative differences between Kelley, producer/director Matt Reeves, and the streamer, with Kelley disgruntled enough to try elsewhere. News about the new adaptation first broke in April.
Kelley remains connected to Apple TV on two other projects, however, despite the “Bonfire” mishap: “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “Presumed Innocent.” Both have been picked up by the streamer for second seasons, with the former coming off of eight Emmy nods. With that in mind, Kelley’s prompting an exit for “Bonfire” may be due to how he wants to adapt the source material, and Apple not being entirely on board with his vision.
That would make sense, too, given the disastrous first adaptation of Wolfe’s 1987 novel, Brian De Palma‘s 1990 film. That movie, one of the great bombs of its (and any) era, has made the material untouchable for 35+ years. Kelley must think the odor of De Palma’s fiasco has worn off, and now wants to adapt the book in the optimal way. “Bonfire” will be Kelley’s second Wolfe adaptation, after the 2024 Netflix limited series “A Man In Full,” starring Jeff Daniels and Diane Lane.
Originally published as a serial in Rolling Stone magazine, “The Bonfire Of The Vanities” charts the downfall of Wall Street bond trader Sherman McCoy after an incident in the Bronx. But Wolfe’s eye wanders beyond just one man’s life falling apart, exploring greed, avarice, and class and racial divisions in a yuppified 1980s NYC. Kelley’s adaptation sees Reeves direct the entire series (after he wraps work on “The Batman Part II,” of course), with Kelley and Matthew Tinker executive producing via David E. Kelley Productions; Reeves also exec produces with Sarah Geismer for 6th and Idaho Productions.
So where will Kelley’s “Bonfire” land? The smart money is on Netflix, since that’s where he did “A Man In Full,” but the TV vet’s street cred could let this show land just about anywhere. Watch this space for the show’s final destination.
