After over a decade of development, Hulu has abandoned the highly anticipated Devil in the White City series, which was set to be executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. The adaptation, based on Erik Larson’s historical non-fiction thriller of the same name, tells the story of what is widely regarded as the first modern serial killer at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The book has captivated audiences since its release in 2003, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its on-screen adaptation.
The film rights to the book were first acquired by Paramount in 2007 and then bought by actor Leonardo DiCaprio in 2010. A film adaptation of the title was in the works with Martin Scorsese set to direct, but those plans ultimately fell through. Since then, the project has remained on hold until Hulu expressed interest in seeing it through, ordering a limited series from DiCaprio and Scorsese in August 2022. According to a report by Variety, Hulu is no longer moving forward with the Devil in the White City series, which was being developed and executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.
This comes as a significant blow to fans who have been eagerly awaiting the on-screen adaptation of this thrilling book. Hulu had previously ordered a series for the title in 2022, with Keanu Reeves attached to star and Todd Field set to direct at least one episode. However, Reeves has since dropped out of the project, and development continued to move forward. Recent developments included Jude Law and Jeremy Allen White being in talks to join the cast, but the project has now officially been canceled.
Despite this setback, there are still plans to shop the series elsewhere. While it may be disappointing that the Hulu version of the TV series is not happening, DiCaprio still retains the right to the story, so it is up to him if he wants to further pursue an adaptation of the title. With the book being considered a sure-fire hit if it were to be adapted, it seems likely that DiCaprio will look elsewhere to make the project happen. If DiCaprio is still interested, then it is highly probable that Martin Scorsese would also be interested. The two have developed a close working relationship, and where one goes, the other usually follows.
If the series does not find a new home, perhaps the film version that was originally planned with Scorsese at the helm could be back on the table. While it may seem like a significant blow to fans, the cancellation of the series on Hulu does not necessarily mean the end of the road for Devil in the White City. With the rise of streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, it is highly likely that one of them will pick up the series. The cancellation of the series is just another example of how the entertainment industry can be unpredictable. It’s not uncommon for projects to go through years of development before being shelved entirely.
However, in the case of Devil in the White City, the story is too thrilling and captivating not to be brought to life on-screen. Many fans of the book have been eagerly anticipating the adaptation of the story, and it’s easy to see why. The book is a gripping and suspenseful tale that takes readers on a journey through the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer. It is a story that deserves to be told, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how it will be adapted for the screen. While we may never know why Hulu ultimately decided not to move forward with the series, fans can take solace in the fact that the project is not dead in the water. With DiCaprio still holding the rights to the story, it’s highly likely that the adaptation will eventually make its way to the screens.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for more content.
Also Watch:
