New details have surfaced concerning Apple’s alleged interest in an American adaptation of “Nevelot”, a 2010 Israeli television series, that will feature “Pretty Woman” start Richard Gere.
CNBC says Apple is negotiating for the rights to adapt “Nevelot” (English translation: “Bastards”), beating out bids from competitors including Showtime, FX and Amazon.
It’s a violent Israeli drama created by Dror Sabo, Daphna Levin, Lee Yardeni, and Aviram Buhris.
The US version should star Richard Gere, with “Homeland’s” Howard Gordon and “Law and Order: SVU’s” Warren Leight serving as show runners. Gere, 69, will also executive produce alongside Sabo, Yardeni, Howard Gordon, Warren Leight, Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, Rachel Kaplan, Peter Traugott, Yoram Mokady and Mirit Toovi.
Apple is apparently in advanced talks to buy rights to the show.
Moreover, show runners Howard Gordon and Warren Leight are in negotiations to reformat the show for the US market, perhaps under a different name.
CNBC reports that the plot involves two military veterans who go on a youth-focused killing spree because they believe today’s kids don’t understand the sacrifices of their generation.
Deadline has a better plot description:
The untitled series follows two elderly Vietnam vets and best friends—one of whom is played by Gere—who find their monotonous lives upended when a woman they both loved fifty years ago is killed by a car. Their lifelong regrets and secrets collide with their resentment of today’s self-absorbed millennials, and an act of self-defense snowballs into a tragic series of events.
Apple should finalize its order for a first 8-episode season though all sides are still talking. The deal is not yet finalized and could fall apart if the sides don’t agree on budgetary matters.
Previously in development at HBO, the US show will be co-produced by Apple and 21st Century Fox, with Richard Gere in talks to star in the series. The report states that Apple is willing to pay premium prices for shows that have awards potential.
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