Apple TV+ has given the greenlight to a television adaptation of Blake Crouch’s sci fi novel Dark Matter, but that is not to be confused with the fan-favorite Syfy series created by Joseph Mallozzi which aired for three seasons from 2015 to 2017. Crouch’s novel was published in 2016 and has since become an acclaimed genre entry. Deadline gives the following rundown of the story:
The series will follow Jason Dessen, a physicist, professor, and family man who — one night while walking home on the streets of Chicago — is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Wonder quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the multiverse of lives he could have lived. In this labyrinth of mind-bending realities, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself.
Joel Edgerton (Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith) has been pegged for the lead role and Crouch will act as writer and showrunner for the series. Matt Tolmach (Jumanji) will executive produce the show and Sony Pictures Television will produce. Apple has had this in the development queue since 2020.
The 2015 Dark Matter series is a very different show that takes place on a vast starship where six people wake up with no memory of their past lives or their connection to each other. It ran for three seasons before getting cut short by Syfy due to low ratings, which resulted in a raucous fan campaign to try and save the show. Series creator Mallozzi continues to this day to find a home for the series with the support of fans (more on that at this link). There is no word on whether Apple TV+ will give its show a different title so as not to confuse it with the other property.
In additional development news, HBO Max is working on a prequel series to the It films which will be titled Welcome to Derry. Deadline gives the following synopsis for the series:
When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of kids is faced with their biggest fears when they square off against a murdering clown named Pennywise.
Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman) will write and executive produce the series. Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, who were both onboard for the films, will executive produce. The streamer will likely be looking to add the show to its slate of originals later this year or early 2023.
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