‘The Last of Us’ HBO Series Enlists ‘Chernobyl’s’ Johan Renck as Director

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe hit video game “Disco Elysium” is getting the TV series treatment.Indie game developer ZA/UM has partnered with the production company dj2 Entertainment to develop a series based on the game.Based on the universe introduced in Robert Kurvitz’s 2013 novel “A Sacred, Terrible Air,” the game follows a veteran detective with a mysterious past who must solve a crime that threatens to set powerful political factions into civil war.“We’re so gratified at the response ‘Disco

Joe Otterson TV ReporterApple is adding another international co-production to its streaming repertoire.The streamer has boarded the Israeli psychological thriller series “Losing Alice.” The show is produced by Israel’s Dori Media Productions in association with HOT. The eight-episode series is currently airing on HOT and will stream worldwide later this year on Apple TV Plus.The series hails from creator Sigal Avin, who served as director in addition to writing.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLike virtually all aspects of the entertainment industry, the volume of broadcast series orders took a massive hit this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.The pandemic shut down the traditional pilot season, with almost no pilots completing production.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterAnother of “Normal People” author Sally Rooney’s books is set to get the series treatment at Hulu.The streamer has given a straight-to-series order to “Conversations with Friends,” which will be based on Rooney’s debut novel of the same name.The series will consist of 12 half-hour episodes.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterMarlon Wayans has inked an overall deal with HBO Max.The deal includes a new one-hour stand up special from Wayans as well as a multi-act special which he will host. Wayans will also develop both scripted and unscripted projects for the streamer under a first look deal.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation, Apple has given a straight-to-series order to a comedy series from Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Variety has learned exclusively.Titled “The Afterparty,” the series is described as a murder mystery comedy set at a high school reunion afterparty.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterShowtime’s upcoming miniseries “The Comey Rule” could soon be changing premiere dates.The show, which details former FBI Director James Comey’s tumultuous relationship with President Donald Trump, was originally scheduled to debut in late November. That would put it after the U.S.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterFox has renewed the animated comedy “The Great North” for a second season before the first has even aired.The show was ordered to straight-to-series last year and is currently slated to debut at midseason in 2021. It hails from Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin from “Bob’s Burgers” as well as Minty Lewis.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBoth “Y: the Last Man” and “American Horror Stories” will debut on Hulu rather than FX.Hulu made the announcement on Monday as part of their NewFronts presentation. The two shows will be the latest FX originals to premiere on the streaming service.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterSalma Hayek and her production company, Ventanarosa, have signed a two-year first-look deal with HBO Max.Under the deal, Hayek will bring projects to HBO Max first for potential development. Jose Tamez, president of Ventanarosa, will serve as her producing partner.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterComedian Ricky Velez has set up a comedy pilot at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively.Velez will serve as co-writer and executive producer on the half-hour project, with Judd Apatow also co-writing and executive producing. Judah Miller will serve as co-writer, executive producer, and showrunner.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterHBO Max has ordered a new adult animated series titled “10-Year-Old-Tom.”The series hails from writer and executive producer Steve Dildarian, with Nick Weidenfeld also attached as an executive producer.“Not only is Steve insanely funny, he is one of the rare talents that can write, draw and do voices.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterDan Harmon has signed a broadcast network-only exclusive direct animation deal with Fox Entertainment.Under the deal, Harmon has received a series commitment for an adult animated series that is currently being targeted for a spring 2022 debut.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterHulu is developing a comedy series about the notorious New Jersey theme park Action Park, Variety has learned.The half-hour series is based on the book “Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America’s Most Dangerous Amusement Park” by Andy Mulvihill and Jake Rossen.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe CW announced Tuesday an additional four series acquisitions as part of its summer lineup.Making their U.S. debuts on The CW are: the horror whodunnit competition “Killer Camp,” debuting July 16 at 8 p.m.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterStarz is developing a new comedy series titled “East Wing” with Debra Messing attached in the lead role, Variety has learned.The series hails from writers and creators Ali Wentworth and Liz Tuccillo, with Wentworth also set to star alongside Messing. The show is inspired by Wentworth’s mother, who who served as Social Secretary in the White House during Ronald Reagan’s presidency in the 1980s.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterApple has signed on to co-produce the upcoming espionage thriller series “Tehran.”The show tells the story of a Mossad agent who goes deep undercover on a dangerous mission in Tehran that places her and everyone around her in dire jeopardy.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation with multiple outlets bidding, Dakota Johnson is attached to star in and executive produce a mockumentary series currently in the works at Amazon.Titled “Rodeo Queens,” the series follows an ensemble of Rodeo Queen hopefuls as they compete for the coveted crown. A writers’ room for the series will open soon, with a full series order expected.Christy Hall created the series and will serve as showrunner and executive producer.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Batwoman” showrunner Caroline Dries reassured fans on Wednesday that there are no plans to kill off the character of Kate Kane following the exit of series lead Ruby Rose.“As a lesbian who’s been working as a writer for the past fifteen years, I’m well aware of the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope and I have no interest in participating in it,” Dries tweeted.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“The Promised Neverland” could be coming to Amazon as a live-action series.Variety has learned that the streamer is developing a live-action English-language adaptation of the popular manga series written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu.Meghan Malloy is set to write the script. The series will be directed and executive produced by Rodney Rothman, with Masi Oka executive producing along with Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo.