Amblin Options Kurosawa’s Rashomon to Develop as Thriller Series

Amblin Television has optioned the rights to Akira Kurosawa’s iconic film Rashomon as the basis for a new dramatic mystery thriller series.

The plan is for each season of the ten-episode series to focus on a singular event told from multiple points of view, with each of the main characters providing a different perspective of the event based on their specific and subjective viewpoint. By watching all of the episodes, and seeing the differing characters’ perspectives, the audience will come away with the truth behind the mystery.

Amblin TV’s co-presidents, Darryl Frank (The Americans, The Haunting of Hill House) and Justin Falvey (The Americans, The Haunting of Hill House), along with Atmosphere’s Mark Canton (Power), and Leigh Ann Burton from Opus 7 are executive producers. David Hopwood from Atmosphere also executive produces.

“We couldn’t be more excited to adapt this extraordinary film as the foundation for a new dramatic mystery thriller series,” said Frank and Falvey. “It will explore the boundaries of truth and how different perspectives don’t often reveal the same reality. We also couldn’t be happier to be in business with Mark, Leigh Ann and David, who are great producers and partners.”

Canton said: “We can’t wait to dig in with Justin and Darryl and everyone at Amblin as we adapt this iconic title for television. We feel this storytelling approach and the way it explores truth and reality is especially timely in today’s world.”

Burton added: “It has been an honor to work with the Kurosawa Estate, and to partner with Amblin Television and Mark Canton, to create a series inspired by Rashomon, written by Akira Kurosawa. I can think of no better way to introduce today’s television audience to the legacy of this brilliant and esteemed filmmaker.”