Showtime, John Wells Developing Series Based on 'Animal Kingdom'

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

"Animal Kingdom"

Showtime is looking to add another crime family to its lineup.

our editor recommends

'Animal Kingdom' Tops AFI Nominations

Animal Kingdom -- Film Review

The premium cable network has picked up a script based on the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury prize-winning film Animal Kingdom, with Shameless’ John Wells attached as an executive producer, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

The 2010 Australian film, distributed stateside by Sony Pictures Classics, revolves around a family of criminals as they battle the police, and the ordinary lives caught in the middle.

The hourlong drama project will be written by Wells’ Southland co-EP/writer Johnathan Lisco and executive produced by Wells, Andrew Stearn and the film’s David Michod and Liz Watts.

The project hails from Wells’ Warner Bros. Television-based John Wells Productions and continues the prolific showrunner's relationship with Showtime, where his drama Shameless is set to return with its second season in January.

The film was an awards season darling, with Jacki Weaver picking up a slew of mentions, including an Oscar nomination, for her supporting turn.

At Showtime, Animal Kingdom joins pilots Masters of Sex with Paul Bettany, Gurland on Gurland and Liev Schreiber’s Ray Donovan.

The pickup comes as Showtime, under new topper David Nevis, continues to make his mark on the cabler and expand its original programming from its complicated women slate that currently features Nurse Jackie, Weeds (which focuses on a family of drug deals) and The Big C and as rival HBO’s gangster drama Boardwalk Empire continues to collect critical accolades.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit