EXCLUSIVE: Bruna Papandrea and Made Up Stories are developing author J.P. Pomare’s crime-thriller novel 17 Years Later into a TV series.
The adaptation will be directed and executive-produced by John Polson (Elementary), with Pam Veasey (CSI: NY) serving as writer, showrunner and executive producer. Papandrea (Big Little Lies) will also executive produce alongside Steve Hutensky, Casey Haver and Katie Amos for Made Up Stories (The Undoing).
The novel follows “the shocking murder of the wealthy Primrose family as it haunts the small New Zealand town of Cambridge, with evidence leading to the conviction of their young chef, Bill Kareama. Seventeen years later, prison psychologist TK Phillips believes Bill deserves an appeal due to an unfair trial. When true-crime podcaster Sloane Abbott joins the investigation and uncovers new evidence, they both become entangled in a dangerous quest for the truth. As they navigate a complex web of deceit, they must decide whether to risk everything to reveal what really happened or let the past remain buried.”
The adaptation reunites Papandrea with Polson and Veasey, having previously collaborated with them on the series The Last Anniversary and Long Slow Exhale, respectively.
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Pomare’s novels have previously been adapted for the screen by Disney+ (The Clearing) and Stan (Watching You). Polson most recently directed Made Up Stories’ The Last Anniversary and is also known for working on Elementary, The Walking Dead and The Mentalist. Hit movies directed include Hide and Seek and Swimfan.
TV veteran Veasey is known for projects including Long, Slow Exhale, LA’s Finest, CSI: NY and In Living Color, for which she was Emmy nominated and won two NAACP Awards.
Founded in 2017 by Big Little Lies producer Papandrea, Made Up Stories’ credits include Nine Perfect Strangers, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, The Undoing, The Good Daughter and Anatomy of a Scandal.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that 17 Years Later has found a home with Made Up Stories. I have long admired Bruna Papandrea and I’m particularly excited about the prospect of my work taking place beside some of my favourite shows and films. I could not be happier to have Pam Veasey attached given her immense contribution to the industry over three decades. I’m looking forward to seeing how the project evolves and am grateful to everyone who’s believed in this story from the beginning,” said Pomare.
Made Up Stories commented: “We are just thrilled to be in business with J.P. He’s one of those extraordinary writers who can create beautiful and complex characters, and wrap them up in a breathlessly suspenseful crime thriller. We read so many mysteries, it’s so rare and thrilling to come across something that had us guessing and gasping until the very end. And to partner with Pam Veasey and John Polson again is just a dream, we’re so excited for their vision of the show set in the U.S. and can’t wait for this team to bring 17 Years Later to life.”
Pomare is represented by Intellectual Property Group and Curtis Brown Australia. Polson is represented by Verve, Untitled Entertainment and Hansen, Jacobson. Veasey is represented by CAA and Del Shaw Moonves.