Robin Hood is the latest literary figure to get the small-screen treatment.
CBS has given a hefty put-pilot production commitment to a drama about a group of modern-day Robin Hoods to be executive produced by Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek: Discovery) and Justin Lin (The Fast and the Furious, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
A Burglar’s Guide to the City follows a team of modern-day Robin Hoods who, led by a brilliant architect with a troubled past, use their unique skills to gain access to any stronghold in order to steal from rich criminals and give to those that have been wronged by a corrupt system.
Paul Grellong (Scorpion) will write the project, which is based on the book by Geoff Manaugh. Grellong will executive produce with Kurtzman and Heather Kadin of Secret Hideout, Danielle Woodrow and Lin, who also will direct the pilot. Secret Hideout’s Aaron Baiers will produce the project, which hails from CBS Television Studios.
Kurtzman recently inked an overall deal at the studio, coinciding with his split from longtime writing partner Roberto Orci. As part of the split, Kurtzman launched his own banner, Secret Hideout, which is attached to CBS All Access’ forthcoming Star Trek: Discovery. He also is an exec producer on Scorpion and Hawaii Five-0. Kurtzman’s big-screen credits include Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness and Mission Impossible III.
Lin also is an exec producer on Scorpion. His recent directing credits include Star Trek Beyond and Fast & Furious 6 as well as episodes of True Detective.
Grellong’s other credits include Revolution, Terra Nova and Law & Order: SVU.
Robin Hood, which first originated in English folklore, is one in a trend of literary figures getting modern updates for TV. Fox is developing a police procedural centered on a modern-day King Arthur, while NBC is developing Oliver Twist, the beloved Charles Dickens character, as a contemporary female-driven procedural.
