Amazon Studios is moving full steam ahead on its series adaptation of David Cronenberg’s psychological thriller Dead Ringers as Rachel Weisz (Black Widow) has signed on to star and executive produce the project, which has received a straight-to-series order, according to Variety.
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Released in 1988, the film told the story of twin gynecologists who begin a relationship with the same woman, which threatens to drive the two apart. The series, which is based on an idea from Weisz, will see the Oscar-winning actress star in the double lead of the Mantle twins, who share everything including drugs, lovers and an unapologetic desire to do whatever it takes to challenge antiquated practices and bring women’s healthcare to the forefront.
“As one of today’s most accomplished and versatile actresses, Rachel Weisz will captivate the Amazon Prime Video global audience with her take on these two ruthless, twisted characters,” Albert Cheng, COO and co-head of television for Amazon Studios, said in a statement. “This update to ‘Dead Ringers’ explores the darker side of medicine, obsession, and the human condition, making it a compelling addition to our slate of Amazon Original series.”
Click here to purchase Cronenberg’s acclaimed original film!
The series adaptation is set to be penned by Normal People‘s Alice Birch, who will executive produce alongside Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle and Ali Krug for Annapurna Television and James G. and David Robinson and Barbara Wall for Morgan Creek, who produced the original film. Amazon Studios and Annapurna Television are set to co-produce the project.
“I am so lucky to have such brilliant partners in Annapurna and Amazon Studios, and I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the exceptionally talented Alice Birch,” Weisz said. “I can’t wait to go on this journey with all of them.”
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“This series is a thrilling tale about ambition, self-interest, and the manipulation of power,” Naegle, Annapurna’s chief content officer, said in a statement. “Rachel’s unequivocal depth as an actor make her the perfect person to bring the new Mantle twins to life in Alice’s fresh take on the original, which will no doubt be even more twisted.”
The project will mark the first series regular role for Weisz, who previously made appearances in various TV films and miniseries over the past 30 years but has mainly been seen on the big screen in films such as her Oscar-winning turn in The Constant Gardner in 2005 and her Oscar-nominated performance in last year’s The Favourite. Her other notably performances include The Mummy franchise, The Lobster, Constantine, My Cousin Rachel, The Fountain and the forthcoming Black Widow.
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