Credit: Amazon

In what was described as a competitive situation, where multiple parties were interested and engaged in bidding, Apple has reportedly won the rights to produce a TV film adaptation of Gregory David Roberts’ novel ‘Shantaram‘, Variety reports. 

Apple’s upcoming TV series will be a Drama, Variety reports, as Robert’s 2003 novel tells the story of Lin, “a man on the run from an Australian prison looking to get lost in the teeming city of Bombay.” 

“Cut off from family and friends by distance and fate, he finds a new life in the slums, bars and underworld of India.”

So far, the novel has sold over six million copies, and has been published in 39 languages in 42 countries worldwide.

The novel was previously staged for adaptation as a feature film, with Joel Edgerton taking the leading role and starring as Lin, Variety reports. Those plans have since shifted gears, however, and the thrilling novel based loosely on events from Robert’s own life story will now be adapted into a TV Drama series. 

On Apple’s behalf, the series will be jointly produced by Paramount Television and Anonymous Content — the latter of which reportedly owns the rights to an adaptation of Robert’s 2015 sequel to ‘Shantaram’, “The Mountain Shadow.”

Eric Warren Singer, best known for his work on “The International”, “Only the Brave”, and for writing the scripts to “American Hustle”, will reportedly serve as the showrunner and executive producer, Variety reports.  Singer is also credited with writing the scripts for the upcoming sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Ramping up Content

News of Apple’s plans to develop a TV Drama series based on ‘Shantaram’ come just days after it was reported that the Cupertino tech-giant struck a deal with Star Wars and Forever Young producer, J.J. Abrams, on a series dubbed “Little Voices” which will star singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.

In all, these latest developments bring Apple’s total of original content endeavors to 15, including a wide range of previously announced shows from Dramas to Comedies and much more. Learn more about what Apple is working on in its relentless pursuit to create compelling original TV content here.