HBO Max Orders The Staircase Scripted Adaptation

The story featured in the true-crime docuseries The Staircase is being adapted as a scripted limited series for HBO Max, with Academy- and BAFTA Award winner Colin Firth to star.

The eight-episode original series is a co-production between HBO Max and Annapurna Television. The story centers on Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.

Antonio Campos will direct six of the eight episodes. Campos and Maggie Cohn are executive producers.

Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said: “It is a thrill to collaborate with Antonio Campos, Maggie Cohn and Annapurna Television for the exploration of this true-life story that’s rife with dramatic revelations. With the enormously talented Colin Firth at the center of this adaptation, the story of The Staircase will continue to captivate audiences with every bizarre twist and turn.”

Campos added: “This has been a project I have been working on in one way or another since 2008. It’s been a long and winding road, but well worth the wait to be able to find partners like HBO Max, Annapurna, co-showrunner Maggie Cohn and the incredible Colin Firth to dramatize such a complex true-life story.”

Sue Naegle, chief content officer at Annapurna, said: “Annapurna couldn’t be more excited to partner with HBO Max, Antonio Campos, Maggie Cohn and Colin Firth on this unbelievable true-life saga. We were enthralled by the docuseries and know that this story will be just as fascinating as a limited series in the hands of Antonio and Maggie, with Colin at the center.”