Elgin James is developing a television adaptation of S.A. Cosby’s bestselling crime novel King of Ashes for FX, in collaboration with Amblin, Higher Ground and 20th Television. The project marks James’s next scripted series following his work on Hulu’s upcoming Prison Break revival, which he is currently filming.
The Southern Gothic crime drama centres on Roman Carruthers, who returns to his family’s crematory business in Virginia after his father is left in a coma following a suspicious hit-and-run. Back home, Roman discovers that his brother’s criminal debts have placed the entire family at risk, pushing him to take increasingly drastic measures to protect them.
Elgin James Leads the King of Ashes Adaptation
James will executive produce the series alongside Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey for Amblin, and Jessie Dicovitsky for Higher Ground. Amblin’s Todd Cohen is attached as co-executive producer. James is currently under an overall deal with 20th Television, which is also involved in the project.
The filmmaker is known for creating FX’s Mayans M.C., which ran for five seasons, and co-creating Amazon’s The Outlaws with Stephen Merchant. His other credits include the feature film Little Birds, which he wrote, directed and scored, and Lowriders, for which he co-wrote the screenplay.
S.A. Cosby’s Novel Heads to Television
Published as part of Cosby’s acclaimed body of crime fiction, King of Ashes adds to the author’s growing presence in film and television. His other novels include All the Sinners Bleed, Razorblade Tears, Blacktop Wasteland and My Darkest Prayer. His books have been translated into 28 languages, with all of his novels optioned for film or streaming adaptations.
A Netflix adaptation of All the Sinners Bleed is scheduled to arrive next spring. Cosby has received multiple literary honours, including the Anthony, ITW, Agatha, Macavity, Barry, Lefty and Hammett Awards.
No casting or production timeline has been announced for King of Ashes.
Source: Deadline
How Are Crime Drama Adaptations from Novels Reshaping Streaming?
