Authors Bret Easton Ellis and Irvine Welsh will join forces to create a drama series about the world of journalism with the working title American Tabloid. The creative duo will bring the series to U.K. banner Burning Wheel Productions, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Ellis is best known for authorship of the 1991 novel American Psycho which followed the story of Patrick Bateman, an investment banker turned serial killer. Welsh’s most popular novel, published in 1993, is Trainspotting that chronicles random events through a critical period in Scottish junkies’ lives. American Psycho was adopted to the movie screen in 2000 and stars Christian Bale (The Dark Knight), Willem Dafoe (Platoon) and Jared Leto (Suicide Squad). It also won Best Movie at the 2001 International Horror Guild. Trainspotting got its movie adaptation in 1996 and stars Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!) as the lead. McGregor won the Empire Award for Best British Actor in his role in 1996.
The series will have the standpoint of a local, weekly publication where events that defy the political accuracy and moral/ethical codes journalists should possess will be shown. The show will also aim to show how global journalists unite to change the reputation of American press culture.
Via The Hollywood Reporter, Shelley Hammond of Burning Wheel said, “To do this production justice we always knew we would require writers who don’t hold back and go way further than most would dare. We are just beyond delighted that we are ready to agree to a deal to make this happen with the incredible talent of Bret and Irvine. This would be the first time the two have collaborated professionally – and with the support to allow creative freedom, we are confident spectacular things will happen.”
The deal will become more solidified in the coming weeks with a schedule for development to follow. There is not currently a cast announcement.