BBC Studios, Independent Developing Howard Marks Drama

BBC Studios and Independent are set to develop a drama series on the life of infamous drug smuggler Howard Marks based on his autobiography, Mr Nice.

The series will be written by Neil Forsyth (Urban Myths; Eric, Ernie and Me). The story will play out on an international stage through the 1970s and ’80s, following how Marks created ingenious ways of trafficking enormous amounts of marijuana into Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. and in the process became one of America’s most-wanted men.

Forsyth said: “I’m delighted to be adapting Howard Marks’ story. Who wouldn’t want to take a journey into a thrilling, dangerous and often surreal world, guided by a charming, fearless, and often stoned Welshman?”

Hilary Salmon, BBC Studios executive producer, added: “With over 43 aliases and such a colorful list of associates this very British anti-hero ran the police on both sides of the Atlantic ragged for decades. The time feels right to tell the unbelievable and outrageous truth of Howard’s story on the bigger canvas that today’s television affords.’’

Luc Roeg and Andrew Orr of Independent commented: “We are excited to be working with BBC Studios on a television series based on Howard Marks’ best-selling autobiography, Mr Nice. It was clear from our first meeting with Neil Forsyth that he was the right choice to adapt Howard’s legendary story for television.”