Renowned director Johan Renck and his production partner Michael Parets are set to bring Andrew O'Hagan's acclaimed novel, Caledonian Road, to the small screen in an exciting new TV adaptation. The novel, recently published by Faber to critical acclaim, follows the captivating story of Campbell Flynn, an art historian and celebrity intellectual, as he navigates the complexities of modern-day Britain amidst the pervasive corruption within the ruling class.
Andrew O'Hagan, a three-time Booker Prize nominee known for works such as Our Fathers, Be Near Me, and The Illuminations, will serve as the executive producer for the adaptation. The novel's adaptation will be produced by Fremantle-backed production company Sinestra, with Johan Renck taking on the role of director. Emmy-winning showrunner Will Smith, recognized for his work on popular series like Veep and The Think of It, will be responsible for adapting the book for the screen.
O'Hagan expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Sinestra, praising the company as one of the boldest and most imaginative in the industry. The team's decision to bring on Will Smith as the showrunner was hailed as a stroke of genius, given his stellar track record in the industry.
Johan Renck and Michael Parets, who previously collaborated on the Netflix film Spaceman, have established Sinestra as a prominent production company, with a first-look deal with Fremantle. This partnership allows Fremantle to co-finance and co-produce Sinestra's TV projects, as well as handle international sales.
Caledonian Road joins a growing slate of projects for Sinestra and Fremantle, including adaptations of novels like Mouth to Mouth and Rouge, along with the feature film Amo Saddam, based on The Prisoner in His Palace by Will Bardenwerper. The cast for Amo Saddam includes acclaimed actor Barry Keoghan in a compelling role.
With the combined talents of Johan Renck, Michael Parets, Andrew O'Hagan, and Will Smith, the adaptation of Caledonian Road promises to be a captivating exploration of contemporary themes and societal issues, set against the backdrop of a gripping narrative.
