Showtime is moving forward with its comedy from the Safdie brothers.
The premium cable network has tapped Emma Stone to star in The Curse, which has now been formally ordered to series.
Picked up to pilot in February, the comedy from the Uncut Gems duo is described as a genre-bending scripted comedy that explores how an alleged curse disturbs the relationship of a newly married couple as they try to conceive a child while co-starring on their problematic new HGTV show. Stone will star opposite co-creators Nathan Fielder (Nathan For You, How To With John Wilson) and Benny Safdie. Stone and Fielder will play the couple; Benny Safdie will portray the producer of the HGTV show.
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Fielder will direct the series and exec produce alongside Josh and Benny Safdie and their Elara Pictures. Stone will also exec produce via her Fruit Tree banner. A24 is the studio on the show. The Safdies’ deal for The Curse predates their first-look TV deal with HBO. A24’s Ravi Nandan will also exec produce. A premiere date has not yet been determined.
“The fierce intelligence and wit of the incomparable Emma Stone make her the perfect partner with the ingenious minds of the Safdie brothers and the subversive comedy of Nathan Fielder,” said Showtime exec vp scripted Amy Israel. “Together, they promise to deliver a groundbreaking satire that is both unexpected and deeply human. Showtime continues to shine as a beacon for visionary filmmakers who are looking to create their ambitious, singular shows.”
The Curse marks the latest TV foray for the La La Land and Birdman actress. Her credits include Netflix’s Maniac, which she also exec produced. Stone’s company has a two-year, first-look TV deal with A24. Stone is repped by WME, Anonymous Content and Ziffren Brittenham.
The series is the latest collaboration between Showtime and A24 after the ViacomCBS-owned cabler recently launched Moonbase 8. The two companies are also teaming for an upcoming series starring comedian Ziwe.
For the Safdies, this is their first TV series. The siblings became the toast of the town last awards season for their work on Uncut Gems.
The Curse joins a roster of scripted originals at Showtime that also includes updates of Dexter and The L Word, First Ladies, Black Monday, City on a Hill, Billions, Halo, Work in Progress and American Rust, among others.
