According to Deadline, HBO Max has officially given a script to series order to MGM and UA Television’s series adaptation of author Ellen Raskin’s award-winning mystery novel titled The Westing Game. This marks the second time the classic novel has been adapted for the small screen after 23 years since Terence H. Winkless’ 1997 TV film Get a Clue which starred veteran actors Ray Walston and Diane Ladd.
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First published in 1978, The Westing Game novel follows the story of a group of unlikely people living in the same apartment building gets a once in a lifetime chance to become rich when their millionaire landlord names them in his will as his heirs. In order to entirely inherit Sam Westing’s $200 million fortune, the 16 heirs must form eight pairs to solve Westing’s puzzling will.
Pick up a copy of the novel here!
The official synopsis reads: “A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, on things for sure: Sam Westing may be dead…but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!”
Since its debut, the novel was very well-received and is being considered as one of the best Children’s novels of all time. It also won the Newberry Medal for its most distinguished contribution to children’s literature.
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The Westing Game series is being described as a Knives Out meets Agatha Christie mystery comedy that will be executive produced by Julie Corman, who also owns the rights to the novel.
