David Duchovny (Californication, The X-Files) is set to write and star in a potential new series at Showtime based on his recently released novel Truly Like Lightning, according to Deadline. Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, the writers-directors of The Peanut Butter Falcon, will write the adaptation with Duchovny and direct the project if it’s picked up to pilot.
Truly Like Lightning centers on Bronson Powers (Duchovny), a former Hollywood stuntman and converted Mormon, who lives a secluded life with his family on a remote homestead outside of Joshua Tree. When an ambitious young developer discovers their land, she tries to force the family off of their property and into the realities of modern society. The novel is described as “a heartbreaking meditation on family, religion, sex, greed, human nature, and the vanishing environment of an ancient desert,” according to the book’s official synopsis.
“I’m so excited to be heading back home to Showtime with the uniquely talented team of Schwartz and Nilson — it’s a collaboration I can’t wait to begin,” Duchovny said via Deadline.
Truly Like Lightning, which is Duchovny’s fourth novel, was released in early February by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. His previous books include Holy Cow: A Modern-Day Dairy Tale, Bucky F*cking Dent and Miss Subways.
Duchovny is primarily known for his roles as FBI Agent Fox Mulder in The X-Files and Hank Moody in Showtime’s Californication. He recently appeared in The Craft: Legacy, the Blumhouse horror sequel directed by Zoe Lister-Jones.
Released in 2019, The Peanut Butter Falcon is about a young man with Down syndrome who runs away from his assisted living facility to become a pro wrestler. The film marked the feature film directorial debuts of Nilson and Schwartz and became a sleeper hit, grossing over $23 million.