Evan Ratliff book The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal. has been confirmed for a television series adaption to Amazon Studios. Among those who are currently involved with the series include director duo Joe and Anthony Russo both of whom will contribute to the series through their entertainment company, AGBO Films. Rick Jacobs and Sean and Bryan Furst of Skybound Entertainment will act as Executive Producers for the series. Along side writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917) and producers Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion) and Dan Seligman representing their production company, 26 Keys.
According to Deadline, the series is based on the true-life story of Paul Le Roux, A former programmer (born and raised in Zimbabwe) who builds a global criminal empire. After starting in the pharmaceutical business, Le Roux then merged into performing other illegal activities that deemed him the title of a ruthless drug lord. After a decade long hunt to capture Le Roux he was taken down by one if his former lieutenant and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) where he then became a high profile DEA and FBI informant. The book is a result of writer Ratcliff’s investigative reporting on Le Roux and his role within the criminal organization in which spanned across four years and began originally a 7-part in-depth article piece for Atavist Magazine.
There is no concrete date on when the show will be expected to premiere However, the show is most likely air on Amazon’s streaming platform, Amazon Prime. Much of the shows details are still in development with little or no cast details following the announcement. It seems almost as if Amazon might be on the hunt for a new break out series now that one of their hit series, The Man in the High Castle, is expected to come to an end after its 4thand current season and other highly successful shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Transparent and The Expanse.