Paul Verhoeven is reportedly set to helm a “Bel Ami” TV series – no, not an episodic show from the high-class European gay porn studio of the same name but rather a new adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s acclaimed novel.
The original story centers on Georges Duroy’s corrupt rise to power from a poor ex-serviceman to one of the most successful men in Paris, most of which he achieves by manipulating a series of powerful, intelligent, and wealthy mistresses.
Verhoeven’s frequent collaborator, producer Said Ben Said, announced the news on Twitter saying Verhoeven will serve as a showrunner and direct the entire eight episode run which will be in French.
Gerard Soeteman, who worked with Verhoeven before on the acclaimed “Black Book” along with his early pre-“Robocop” films like “Flesh+Blood” and “Spetters,” will write all eight episodes with each aiming to clock in at around 52 minutes.
The news follows on from Said confirming that Verhoeven’s already completed new film “Benedetta” is skipping film festivals for a May 2021 debut in France.
The most recent adaptation of the story happened in 2012 with Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Christina Ricci starring. That received mixed reviews.
Source: Twitter
