Star Trek’s Jonathan Frakes Directing Deathlands Adaptation

Jeff Garzik’s NextCypher is producing a ten-episode adaptation of the book series Deathlands, with Star Trek actor and director Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Picard) attached as director.

Also attached to the project are Mark A. Altman (Pandora, Agent X, Castle) as showrunner and executive producer, Thomas P. Vitale (Slasher, 57 Seconds) as executive producer and Christine Sheaks (Boogie Nights, Fargo), who is handling global casting efforts.

Production on the project is set to begin in Sofia this spring.

“One of the things that I find so compelling about Deathlands is that it’s a series about hope and the chance to build a better world,” Frakes said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to bring this show, combining feature-level action and compelling character drama, to the world.”

Garzik, the founder and CEO of NextCypher, said, “I launched NextCypher to capitalize on the appetite for innovative, high-quality genre entertainment. I’m glad to see the market aligning with our vision of producing smartly budgeted and exceptional content for a global audience. Deathlands is an ideal launchpad for us, especially considering the success of similar post-apocalyptic series based on successful IPs like The Last of Us and the eagerly anticipated Fallout.”

“With a series that is gritty, suspenseful and action-packed, with a sense of hope, romance and resilience in the face of adversity, I cannot imagine anyone better to bring Deathlands to the screen than visionary director Jonathan Frakes,” added Altman. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board to ensure the series will be appointment television for viewers everywhere.”