An original drama series from Lost creator J.J. Abrams is a-go at HBO Max. According to Deadline, the Rise of Skywalker director has created an original series for the streamer titled Subject To Change.
The series is centered around a college student who begins to experience an altered reality after becoming a participant in a clinical trial. Via Deadline, Abrams will be working alongside Jennifer Yale (writer, See) who is attached to the project as showrunner and executive producer. Abrams’ production company, Bad Robot, will be producing the series with Warner Bros. Television. Abrams will executive produce alongside Ben Stephenson (producer, Westworld) and Rachel Rusch Rich (producer, Lovecraft Country).
Regarding the new series, Abrams stated, “It’s been incredible fun weaving this rather insane yarn with Jenn, and I am grateful to her and everyone at HBO Max for the opportunity to bring this story to life.” (Deadline)
Yale also noted her excitement about the upcoming project by adding “I have felt so privileged to work with J.J. and Bad Robot on expanding J.J.’s exhilarating story to create a twisty, thought-provoking thriller where almost anything is possible and yet everything is planned. Now partnering with HBO Max to make it a reality is a dream.” (Deadline)
Subject To Change‘s series order comes only a few days after the announcement of the Abrams-produced reboot of Constantine for HBO Max. According to Deadline, HBO Max has several other Abrams and Bad Robot projects in development, including Duster and Overlook, series based on the hotel from Stephen King’s The Shining. Abrams is also at the helm of a DC series that centers on the Dark Justice League universe, via The Hollywood Reporter.
In September 2020, Abrams and Bad Robot signed an overall deal with WarnerMedia that will combine their creative talents and industry power through 2024.