According to The Hollywood Reporter Hulu has partnered once again with creator Liz Meriwether (The Dropout, New Girl) to develop a new drama series inspired by the 1987 film Black Widow. The untitled project follows an FBI agent who uses a female serial killer’s past secrets to track her down. Emmy Rossum (Shameless, Angelyne), who will also serve as an executive producer, is in talks to star as the FBI agent, should her acting deal go through. The Hollywood Reporter states that Rossum’s involvement could help anchor the series, which is expected to be a blend of suspense and character-driven storytelling.
The 1987 Black Widow film, which starred Debra Winger (The Ranch, In Treatment) as the FBI agent and Theresa Russell (Empire Falls, Liz & Dick) as the female killer, focused on a woman who murdered wealthy men for their inheritance. The series will be “loosely based” on the film, with Meriwether’s adaptation promising to dive deeper into the psychology of both the FBI agent and the serial killer. “It’s an exciting chance to explore a complex and mysterious character,” Meriwether said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, hinting at the darker, more layered narrative the series will offer.
Meriwether’s collaboration with Hulu comes after her successful run with The Dropout, which chronicled the rise and fall of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. The Hollywood Reporter highlights that the drama earned an Emmy for star Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout, Twin Peaks: The Return) and nominations for Meriwether’s writing. Meriwether also co-created Dying for Sex, which will also stream on Hulu. Rossum (The Crowded Room, Angelyne), has shown a knack for portraying multifaceted female characters, making her an ideal candidate for the series.
The drama series is being produced by Disney’s 20th Television and Searchlight Television, with Meriwether, Rossum, Sara Moskowitz (Survivor, Mixology) and Ron Bass (Moloney, Swing Vote) is serving as executive producers. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bass noted, “The project brings a fresh perspective to a classic story, blending thriller elements with emotional depth.”
Rossum’s growing involvement in behind-the-scenes work continues to reflect her interest in shaping narratives for strong female leads. Having also executive produced Three Women, she is using her influence to bring bold and unique stories to the screen. As The Hollywood Reporter points out, Rossum’s continued success as both an actress and producer gives her a distinct advantage in driving this new project forward.
With the series still in development, audiences can expect a story that explores themes of justice, manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships. The Hollywood Reporter predicts that Hulu’s push into this psychological thriller territory could resonate strongly with viewers looking for high-stakes drama and intricate character studies.
The untitled Black Widow series promises to be another standout project for Hulu, offering a fresh take on a classic thriller. With Meriwether at the helm and Emmy Rossum’s potential involvement, the series is positioned to captivate audiences with its blend of suspense, psychological intrigue, and compelling performances.
