An American Version Of ‘Black Mirror’ Is In The Works
American audiences finally got the chance to dig intoBlack Mirrorlast month when the acclaimed British serieshit Netflix. And now that we’ve acquainted ourselves with its excellence, we could be getting our own version ofBlack Mirrorin the near future.
A U.S. take on the sci-fi anthology show is in in the works, as confirmed by production company Endemol. More on the developingBlack MirrorUS version after the jump.
Varietyreported the news from an industry conference in Washington, D.C.Charlie Corwin, co-chairman and co-CEO of Endemol Shine North America, revealed that “there is a plan” to adapt the show for the U.S. As for why he wants to make an American version ifBlack Mirror, Corwin enthused that the originalBlack MirrorcreatorCharlie Brookerand producerAnnabel Jones"have touched on something and I agree – we need more.“Black Mirrorcan loosely be described as a modern sci-fi version ofThe Twilight Zone. Each episode of the anthology series features an entirely new cast, setting, and storyline. What remains constant is its focus on our relationship to technology, both in the present and in the not-too-distant future. The title refers to the shiny screen of a computer, phone, or television.
The show isn’t for everyone, as it gets pretty dark and disturbing at times. (The very first episode centers around a demand that the prime minister screw a pig on live television.) Nevertheless,Black Mirrorwas fawned over by critics and viewers. It’s alsocaught the attention of Hollywood heavyweights like Robert Downey Jr., who optioned the third episode (“The Entire History of You”) in 2013 for a feature film adaptation.
American adaptations of British show have a spotty track record. For everyHouse of CardsorShameless, there’s aSkinsor anIT Crowd. But it’s not hard to imagine a U.S. version ofBlack Mirrortaking off. Its themes are as relevant in the States as they are across the pond, and the anthology format should give the U.S. team a lot of creative freedom.
The only real downside would be if the AmericanizedBlack Mirrorlacked Brooker’s unique insight — but there, too, it seems we’re in luck.Speaking last month, Jones said Brooker would serve as showrunner for any U.S. adaptation. However, Endemol hasn’t yet confirmed his involvement.
Would you be into an American version ofBlack Mirror, or do you want the Brits to hold onto this one?
