Starz has given a series order to Lionsgate and Liberty Global for a new supernatural spy thriller entitled The Rook, which comes from Twilight creator Stephenie Meyer and executive producer Stephen Garrett (The Night Manager) and is based upon the novel by Daniel O’Malley.
Deadline reports that The Rook is set in London and follows “a young woman pursued by shadowy paranormal adversaries while grappling with extraordinary abilities of her own. After waking in a park with total amnesia — and surrounded by dead bodies, all wearing latex gloves — she must fight to uncover her past, and resume her position at the head of Britain’s most secret (supernatural) service before the traitors who stole her memory can finish what they started.”
“A high-end series aimed right at the sweet spot of our audience, The Rook is a great addition to a Starz slate loaded with the most exciting new and returning series offered by any platform anywhere,” said Starz President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht. “We are thrilled to add the talents of Stephen Garrett and Stephenie Meyer to our creative family and forge our partnership with the Lionsgate Television Group and Liberty Global. The Rook is instantly addictive from the very first scene and introduces what we believe will be one of the most fascinating and thrilling female protagonists on television.”
“Stephenie is one of the world’s great creative talents, and Stephen has an incredible track record in bringing remarkable stories to the screen,” added Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs and President of Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution Jim Packer. “The Rook is a major premium property driven by an amazing creative team, and it’s not only a terrific addition to the Starz platform but the perfect series to launch a content alliance with our friends at Liberty Global.”
The Rook will air on Starz in the U.S. next year, and on Libert’s international platforms across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.