Andrew Niccol‘s 1997 directorial debut “Gattaca” is low-key one of the best sci-fi films of the ’90s. Now, Variety reports that Showtime will test the movie’s cultural cache as it has a series adaptation in development. Is that a good idea or another telling sign that the TV industry suffers from a dearth of original ideas? Too soon to tell there.
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That’s mainly because it’s unclear if Showtime plans to adapt Niccol’s film or set their series in the same universe but with a new story. In fact, all the streamer discloses at this point are the names involved on the show’s backend. “Homeland” showrunner Alex Gansa will helm that project and serve as co-executive producer with his longtime partner Howard Gardner. The pair co-create the series with Craig Borten, also part of the executive producing team.  Sony Pictures Television is the studio behind the series.
If “Gattaca” gets off the ground, the show is in good hands with Gansa and Gordon. Beyond “Homeland,” the two previously worked together on major Fox shows “24” and “The X-Files.” They also collaborated on the Fox anthology legal drama “Accused” with David Shore. Meanwhile, Borten brings some serious pedigree to the show’s writing team. He co-wrote the screenplay to “Dallas Buyers Club” with Melisa Wallack; his other writing credits include “The 33” and “Sergio.”
Niccol’s “Gattaca” stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law in a near-future sci-fi drama where eugenics dictate the world, separating genetically superior citizens from the “in-valids” with potential genetic defects. To realize his lifelong dream of reaching outer space, Hawke’s Vincent games his society’s systems by assuming the identity of Law’s critically injured swim star Jermone. The film also stars Loren Dean, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkeley, Alan Arkin, Elias Koteas, and Ernest Borgnine.
While “Gattaca” managed just $36 million at the box office on the time of its release, it did nab an Oscar nom for its art direction and a Best Original Score nom at the Golden Globes. It also launched Niccol’s career as a director and screenwriter, with the film becoming a cult classic. But this isn’t the first time Sony Pictures Television attempted to develop a “Gattaca” TV series. They had a police procedural set in the film’s world in development in 2009, but nothing came of it. Maybe this time will be different.
“Gattaca” is a great-looking sci-fi noir about the flawed but indomitable human spirit. That could equate to an equally good-looking and compelling TV show, but surely Showtime has more original ideas than this? But considering this is the network behind recent TV shows like “American Gigolo” and “Let The Right One In,” it’s no surprise Showtime looks at this project highly. Maybe Gansa and Gordon will bring their magic touch to this project as they did with “Homeland.”