Mr Robot creator Sam Esmail to adapt classic German sci-fi movie Metropolis for TV!

Creator of the acclaimed hacker drama Mr Robot Sam Esmail is turning his sights to the classic 1927 German sci-fi movie Metropolis.

Set in a dystopian 2026, Metropolis posits a society rigidly divided by class boundaries; wealthy industrialists rule from high-rise towers, while a subjugated proletariat operate underground machinery to provide for the city from below. From there it’s a classic tale of star-crossed lovers, as the son of the city’s master falls for a worker; while they believe that individuals can bring the classes together, the obsession of one scientist poses a threat to them all.

The original movie was directed by Fritz Lang, who co-wrote the screenplay with his then wife, Thea von Harbou. At point of release, Metropolis (1927) was the world’s most expensive movie.

There’s clear potential for some great drama there, alongside interesting social commentary; it’s clear why Esmail would have been attracted to this project, given how passionately Mr Robot rails against the impact of capitalism.

Esmail is set to serve as executive producer, alongside a small writers’ room; much like Mr Robot, emphasis is being placed on this series as an auteur-led project.

The series is being developed by Universal Cable Productions; it’s currently being indicated that Esmail is being given up to three years to translate this project to the screen, with a possible budget of up to $10 million per episode. No TV network is attached to the series as of yet, nor has any casting or airdate been indicated.

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