Natasha Lyonne, Alia Shawkat to Develop Amazon Series ‘Desert People’ (EXCLUSIVE)

It’s arguable that no one saw “The Report.” That is to say, the critically-acclaimed, very-excellent ‘Report’ by writer Scott Z. Burns, known for writing “The Bourne Ultimatum” (2007), “The Informant!” (2009), and “Contagion” (2011), seemed to get buried upon its fall 2019 release on Amazon Studios.

Manori Ravindran International EditorBlumhouse Television is developing a seven-part Indian anthology series with executive producer Dina Dattani (“The Ashram,” “Brahman Naman”).Each feature-length episode will explore the themes and mythology set against the backdrop of local Indian festivals, with the project specifically targeting the Indian audience.The U.S.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBretman Rock has signed with UTA for representation in all areas, Variety has learned exclusively.He continues to be represented by his manager, Dru Sansenbach, and lawyer Will Jacobson at Goodman Schenkman & Brecheen, LLP.A first-generation Asian-American immigrant and a member of the queer community, Rock rose to fame via his social media platforms, which have racked up over 35 million followers.

Nellie Andreeva Co-Editor-in-Chief, TVChloë Grace Moretz (Greta, Suspiria) is set as the lead in The Peripheral, Amazon’s upcoming original series which hails from Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy’s Kilter Films and Warner Bros. TV.Your Complete Guide to Pilots and Straight-to-Series ordersThe sci-fi thriller drama, from creator/executive producer/showrunner Scott B.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterChloë Grace Moretz has been cast in one of the lead roles in the upcoming series adaptation of William Gibson’s “The Peripheral” at Amazon, Variety has learned exclusively.The series centers on Flynne Fisher (Moretz), a woman trying to hold together the pieces of her broken family in a forgotten corner of tomorrow’s America. Flynne is smart, ambitious and doomed.

Dade Hayes Finance EditorVice Media Group has appointed veteran marketer Nadja Bellan-White to the newly created post of global chief marketing officer.The role unites marketing, branding and communications under a single executive for the first time.

Natti Natasha prides herself on is making sure her own success can serve as an inspiration to young girls watching.The Dominican singer, best known for hits like “Sin Pijama” and “Quien Sabe,” can now add executive producer to her ever-growing resume. She’s putting her stamp of approval on YouTube’s new Spanish-language series, which she hopes gives a voice to a new generation of young girls eager to make it in the music industry.Starring rapper Audri Nix, singer Nohemy Águila, and actress

Scott Frank (“Godless,” “Out of Sight”) brings the rich writing of Walter Tevis (“The Hustler,” “The Color of Money”) to life in his nuanced, accomplished seven-part adaptation of “The Queen’s Gambit,” premiering on October 23 on Netflix. Frank deftly rises above the trappings of a relatively straightforward melodrama by focusing on the complex character at the center of this story of genius, addiction, and redemption.

It’s been nearly two years since the release of Barry Jenkins‘ last feature, “If Beale Street Could Talk.” But that doesn’t mean Jenkins has taken a break.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor“Rocky” and “Legally Blonde” are set to receive the “Films in Concert” treatment.

continues to defy expectations. After five episodes exploring the ongoing horrors and adventures faced by Atticus (Jonathan Majors), Leti (Jurnee Smollett), Montrose (Michael K.

John Cena is about to do such a great job stealing the show as the DC Comics character Peacemaker in the upcoming Suicide Squad sequel that you're going to wish you could see more of him. Thanks to HBO Max, you will.The streaming service has ordered the action-comedy series Peacemaker, with Cena reprising the role of the vigilante superhero (supervillain?) in a series that delves into the character's origins.

Andreas Wiseman International EditorEXCLUSIVE: In a competitive situation, Amazon has won rights to adapt Demi Moore-fronted erotic drama podcast Dirty Diana into a series.Amazon is in development on the podcast with Golden Globe-nominee Moore attached to star and the podcast’s creator Shana Feste (Endless Love) attached to direct.

Nellie Andreeva Co-Editor-in-Chief, TVNBC is developing God’s Country, a drama inspired by Blake Shelton’s hit song of the same name.

its young stars this summer, the world didn't know just much they'd fall in love with a high school student from Allentown, Pennsylvania. was one of dozens of teenage hopefuls who answered a nation-wide casting call seeking an everyday Latinx teenage girl — with prodigious musical and singing abilities to match — to play the lead role of Julie.

Natasha Lyonne and Alia Shawkat are developing “Desert People,” a comedy series about Iraqi immigrants, for Amazon Prime Video, an individual with knowledge tells TheWrap.The half-hour project, which is co-created by the “Russian Doll” star and “Arrested Development” alum, is centered on a family of Iraqi immigrants who run a gentleman’s club in Palm Springs.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterStarz is in early development on a drama series titled “The Venery of Samantha Bird,” Variety has learned exclusively.The project hails from writer and executive producer Anna Moriarty. Should the show get ordered to series, it would mark her first TV writing credit.

Will Thorne Staff WriterCarole Baskin is on the prowl to bring animal abusers to justice.The big cat activist, of “Tiger King” and now “Dancing With the Stars” fame, and her husband Howard Baskin are teaming with ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media for a new unscripted series exposing those who engage in animal cruelty, Variety has learned exclusively.The as-yet-untitled series will feature the Baskins, alongside others, as they by spotlight the histories, lawsuits and animal rights violations