Variety is reporting that Universal Cable Productions is developing an adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s classic novel Slaughterhouse-Five, which is being written and executive produced by Patrick Macmanus, showrunner on Happy!.
The 1969 book tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a chaplain’s assistant in the U.S. Army survives the firebombing of Dresden during World War II, only to find himself becoming “unstuck” in time with the narrative then jumping to various points in his life.
“There are no lines that Vonnegut ever throws away, but there are certain lines within the book that allude to a much larger world,” said Macmanus, who is envisioning the series as one that expands on the world of the novel whilst remaining true to its themes. “I’m not just talking about going off into outer space. He alludes to the Balkanization of the United States and to the hydrogen bombing of the United States. I feel like today’s TV is the only way to tell this story. Even though it’s only approximately 275 pages, I think that it’s ripe to be expanded upon exponentially.”
In addition to Macmanus, the series will be executive produced by Gale Anne Hurd of Valhalla Entertainment, Jon Brown of Ensemble Entertainment, and Bradley Yonover of Brand Y Media.
Originally published December 11, 2017. Updated December 10, 2017.
