In an interesting production move, The Nix may prove to bring powerhouses JJ Abrams and Meryl Streep together.
The Nix is originally a debut novel by author Nathan Hill. It was only published late last month, but it has taken the literary world by storm with its sudden popularity. The Nix is about an alienated family, where the mother (who is described as a hippie) is thrown into the harsh public spotlight when she is pictured throwing rocks at a conservative governor. Aiming to capitalize on this moment, her son, Samuel, writes an exposé on the woman he once knew, so that he may pay off his debts and further his dream of being a writer. But instead of the cut-and-dry story he expects, Samuel is forced to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about his mother and face the changes within himself.
In the few short weeks since the novel’s release, Deadline reports that a bidding war has erupted across television studios everywhere. As of this moment Warner Bros Television is closest to landing the limited series deal, but there have been no solidified confirmations yet.
However, the creative team behind the television series is already starting to come together. JJ Abrams’ production company Bad Robot has already signed on to produce The Nix, and there are rumors that Abrams himself might direct a few of the episodes. And who knows? With his Star Wars directing obligations over and Westworld in post-production, Abrams may have the time to delve back into directing for television once again.
Meryl Streep has also signed on to produce The Nix, and is set to have a leading role. This appears to be the first time that Abrams and Streep have worked together, but their combined star power could wipe out a solar system, so the outlook for the series is promising with this amount of talent in place. This will also be her first role back on television since her stint on Web Therapy in 2012.