Writer previously partnered with HBO on The Leftovers and Watchmen
HBO has ordered an adaptation of Adrian McKinty’s New York Times bestselling book The Chain, with Damon Lindelof (Watchmen) writing and showrunning.
The eight-episode series is from Michael Ellenberg’s Media Res, which counts The Morning Show and Pachinko among credits.
Lindelöf is also exec producing and has signed a two-year overall deal with HBO as part of the deal, with that agreement beginning in September 2025.
The Chain, which was published in 2019, follows a woman whose daughter is kidnapped. To free her, the woman must pay a ransom and kidnap another child, maintaining the ongoing chain of kidnappers to avoid her own child being murdered.
Details of the adaptation are under wraps but HBO iad Lindelof is “expanding the mythology” of the thriller.
The pilot story has been written by Lindelöf, Carly Wray, and Breannah Gibson, with Lindelof and Wray writing the pilot script.
Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer are executive producers for Media Res, alongside McKinty.
Francesca Orsi, exec vice president of HBO Programming, head of HBO Drama Series and Films, described Lindelöf as “one of the most singular and distinctive creators of our time.”
Orsi, who worked with the creative on HBO’s Watchmen and The Leftovers, added: “The Chain promises to continue his legacy of dropping us into the pit of the human brain and delivering in ways not only emotionally daring but, ultimately, transformative.”
Lindelöf said: “From the moment I heard the wild and original premise of Adrian’s book, I was shocked, surprised and angry I hadn’t thought of it myself.
“I’ve always wanted to try to adapt a great thriller and this one has all the dark, weird, exhilarating touches that fire up my imagination. I feel so fortunate to reteam with Francesca, Casey and Michael, who first brought me to HBO 15 years ago and I can’t wait to make The Chain a memorable link in their outstanding legacy.”
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