The serial killer and the architect
Hulu have announced a series order for 'Devil in the White City', based on the bestselling novel, which will star Keanu Reeves.
The story follows Daniel H. Burnham, a demanding but visionary architect who races to make his mark on history with the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and Dr. H. H. Holmes, America’s first modern serial killer and the man behind the notorious "Murder Castle" built in the Fair’s shadow.
While production isn't expected to start until next year, the series is aiming for a 2024 release.
Reeves, who will also serve as executive producer, will mark his biggest TV role with the series. He will play the enigmatic architect on the show. Talks had been ongoing for several months.
Todd Field will direct as well as executive producers alongside Martin Scorsese, Rick Yorn, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson (Appian Way), Stacey Sher, Sam Shaw, Mark Lafferty. Shaw is also writing and will serve as showrunner.
The project has been in various stages of development ever since DiCaprio bought the rights to it in 2010. Originally, it was targeted for a feature release under Paramount, with Scorsese directing.
The original book was written by Erik Larson and published in 2003. It went on to become a New York Times bestseller.
H. H. Holmes was not just a serial killer but a notorious con man. He confessed to killing 27 people, however was only ever prosecuted for a single murder. He was subject to up to 50 lawsuits in his life and his crimes included fraud, swindling, check forging, 3 to 4 bigamous illegal marriages, murder and horse theft.
With Hulu announcing the show, it will more than likely get a European release through Disney+ .
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