HBO Europe Greenlights Spanish Horror Series from Álex de la Iglesia

HBO Europe has ordered 30 Coins (30 monedas), an original horror series directed by Spanish filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia (Perfect Strangers, The Bar, Witching and Bitching).

De la Iglesia is working with long-time writing partner Jorge Guerricaechevarría to co-write the eight-episode series. Produced by Pokeepsie Films, 30 Coins will shoot this year in Spain.

30 Coins tells the tragedy of Father Vergara, an exorcist, boxer and ex-convict, who is exiled by the church to a remote town in Spain. He wants to forget and be forgotten, but his enemies will soon find him.

Commented de la Iglesia: “30 Coins is the project I’ve been dreaming about all my life. It’s a series that dives into pure horror combining thriller, action and mystery, with a plot that starts in a remote village in Spain and spreads over the world. It’s a naked look into the truest form of genre aimed at entertaining and wrecking fans’ sleep. Weird creatures, cursed cults and unspeakable secrets will emerge from the cracks of a reality that can only inspire mistrust in those who dare to explore it. An exhilarating experience for those who want to have fun while getting their horror fix.”

Miguel Salvat, commissioning editor of original programming at HBO España, said: “Only Álex, with his own voice and universe, can carry out a project of this narrative and visual ambition. It has been a fruitful and exciting development process with Álex and Jorge. We are sure that 30 Coins will fit perfectly into a brand that already has a huge legacy.”

Antony Root, executive VP of programming and production at HBO Europe, said: “Álex creates worlds that are immediately immersive, full of idiosyncratic characters, darkness, humor and fun. We’re incredibly excited and proud to have him join the HBO Europe family—and to add such a brilliant and uniquely imagined genre series to our growing and varied originals slate.”