Kudos has acquired the TV adaptation rights for Wuthering Heights spin-off Ill Will, a month before the novel hits bookshops.
The neo-gothic novel from author Michael Stewart charts the “untold story” of Wuthering Heights protagonist Heathcliff, from the moment he disappears from the farmhouse halfway through the Emily Brontë novel to his return three years later as a wealthy and educated man.
The novel was acquired by HQ Harper Collins last year.
The adaptation will be executive produced Kudos’ Emma Kingsman-Lloyd and Diederick Santer.
The acquisition was signed by Sue Swift, head of literary acquisitions for the Endemol Shine-owned indie.
Brontë’s novel was last adapted for British TV by Peter Bowker, for an ITV two-parter in 2009. Tom Hardy took the Heathcliffe role in the Mammoth Screen/WGBH series, which attracted 4.3m (18.5%).
Kingsman-Lloyd said: “Heathcliff has always been a powerfully alluring figure. Michael Stewart’s brilliantly atmospheric and clever story gives us a provocative and profound insight into this well-loved hero and answers the question that has haunted fans for generations. I am delighted we are finally able to bring Heathcliff’s full, remarkably compelling story to life.”
No broadcaster is yet attached to the project.
Comments