US Remake Of Maniac To Star Jonah Hill & Emma Stone
The Norwegian series Maniac about the fantasy world of a resident in a mental institution has been picked up by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content for a US remake starring Jonas Hill and Emma Stone.
Maniac follows the adventures of Espen and his friend Håkon, who exists only in Espen’s head. They live quite happily together until psychologist Mina arrives on the scene to treat Espen’s illness.
The project will be directed by Emmy Award winner Cary Fukunaga (True Detective) and is seeking a straight-to-series order, possibly for two seasons. A writer for the show has yet to be announced.
TV 2 Head Of Drama, Christopher Haug, said: “This is a happy day. That this all-star team will create an American version of Maniac is simply amazing.”
“The series has gone a little under the radar here in Norway, but we have noticed that interest abroad has been tremendous from day one. In that sense this is not surprising. The idea is unique.”
The original TV2 drama, from Lilyhammer producer Rubicon TV, is written and directed by Håkon Bast Mossige and Espen Lervåg who star in the show.
Writing is underway for season two of the Norwegian version, and it is hoped that it will get the go ahead in a meeting with TV2 on Monday.