AMAZON STUDIOS ACQUIRES “ANANSI BOYS” SERIES ADAPTATION

Amazon Studios has ordered a series adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s international best-selling novel “Anansi Boys.” The film is set to debut exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories worldwide. The six-episode limited series will begin shooting in Scotland later this year.

The show is produced by Amazon Studios, The Blank Corporation, Endor Productions, and Red Production Company. With this announcement, Amazon Studios continues its relationship with Gaiman, who has an overall deal with the studio. "We're delighted to be working with Amazon Studios and our talented team of writers, directors, and producers to bring Neil's magical story to the screen. Anansi Boys has all of Neil's trademark wit, mischief, and heart, and is bursting with joy,”  Bevan Jones and Fee said. “We feel very lucky to have the backing of Amazon Studios and such a strong creative team to do justice to Neil's epic vision.”

Gaiman, Sir Lenny Henry, Douglas Mackinnon, Hanelle M. Culpepper,  Endor's Hilary Bevan Jones, and Richard Fee will serve as executive producers. Gaiman and Henry will also write for the series along with Arvind Ethan David, Kara Smith, and Racheal Ofori. Gaiman and Mackinnon will serve as co-showrunners, while Culpepper will direct the pilot. Jermain Julien and Azhur Saleem will also directing for the series. "There's nothing quite like Anansi Boys - a compelling and contemporary story wrapped in unique and powerful mythology from the Black diaspora,” Culpepper said. “I'm both excited and honored to be working with legends like Neil Gaiman and Lenny Henry, along with the rest of the incredible Anansi team, using new technology and new studios to create a great show in ways that couldn't have been done before now. This is a dream project for me as a director."

Based on Gaiman’s novel of the same name, "Anansi Boys" follows Charlie Nancy, a young man who is embarrased about his father. But once the father dies, he discovers his true identity of Anansi, and meets his newfound brother.  “We are trying to make a new kind of show with ‘Anansi Boys,’ and to break ground with it to make something that celebrates and rejoices in diversity both in front of and behind the camera," Gaiman said.  

Originally developed through a conversation between Gaiman and Henry with the series adaptation reuniting the collaboration between the pair. “No one can weave a story of fantasy, humor, and deep emotion quite like Neil Gaiman, and ‘Anansi Boys’ is a funny, weird, wonderful ride,” Vernon Sanders, Co-Head of Television, Amazon Studios said.  “We’re so happy to have Neil, Lenny, and Douglas bring their vision for ‘Anansi Boys’ to the screen for our Prime Video customers around the world.”