Tom Perrotta adapting his next novel, ‘The Leftovers,’ for HBO
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Tom Perrotta has had good luck with Hollywood -- the movie version of his 1999 novel ‘Election’ got one Oscar nomination and became a cult favorite starring a perfectly annoying Reese Witherspoon and a beleagured Matthew Broderick. The more serious ‘Little Children,’ which involved infidelity and danger in a small town, starred Kate Winslet and was nominated for three Oscars.
Perrotta’s newest book isn’t even out yet and it’s already captured Hollywood’s attention. ‘The Leftovers’ -- his take on the idea of being left behind after the Rapture -- is being published Aug. 30 by St. Martin’s Press, but Perotta is already at work on a dramatic series based on the book for HBO. Variety reports:
HBO is developing a series based on author Tom Perrotta’s upcoming novel ‘The Leftovers.’ Hourlong drama explores the Rapture and how the sudden disappearance of loved ones in a suburban town affects everyone left behind. Perrotta, who is writing the pilot, will exec produce with Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger. The author has Hollywood connections, having written ‘Little Children’ and then adapting the screenplay for the Kate Winslet-Patrick Wilson starrer. Earlier in his career, Perrotta wrote the novel ‘Election,’ which was turned into Alexander Payne’s feature starring Reese Witherspoon. Both pics were Oscar nominated.
HBO seems to be embracing literary authors lately -- it’s got a project in developement with novelists Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman. And then there’s this little show you might have heard of called ‘Game of Thrones’ -- it’s been nominated for 13 Emmys.
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-- Carolyn Kellogg
