MRC in business with David Fincher

Developing political drama series dubbed 'House of Cards'

By Nellie Andreeva

Oct 21, 2009, 11:28 PM ET

Media Rights Capital has teamed with David Fincher for a new series, "House of Cards."

Based on the book and British miniseries of the same name, "Cards" will be adapted for U.S. audiences as a one-hour drama, with "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" director Fincher executive producing with the film's writer, Eric Roth.

The political-thriller novel written by Michael Dobbs, former Conservative Party chief of staff, is set at the end of Margaret Thatcher's tenure as prime minister and follows a British politician with his eye on the top job.

In 1990, it was adapted by the BBC as a miniseries written by Andrew Davies and starring Ian Richardson. It went on to win a BAFTA award for Richardson and an Emmy for Davies.

MRC and Fincher's adaptation will be set in the U.S. but maintain focus on issues of political ambition and blackmail.

"David Fincher, whose body of work speaks for itself, is sure to put an unforgettable stamp on the celebrated British series," MRC CEO Modi Wiczyk said.

In addition to Fincher and Roth, "Cards" will be executive produced by Davies, Dobbs and producer Josh Donen ("Spider-Man 4").

The project is expected to be shopped to networks soon.

MRC's slate of TV series include "The Life and Times of Tim" on HBO, "Rita Rocks" on Lifetime, "Shaq Vs." on ABC and HBO's upcoming "The Ricky Gervais Show."

Steven Zeitchik contributed to this report.

MRC in business with David Fincher

Developing political drama series dubbed 'House of Cards'

By Nellie Andreeva

Oct 21, 2009, 11:28 PM ET