Variety has reported that HBO has ordered director Damon Lindelof to adapt the limited drama “The Chain” into a drama series. The series will be included in a new two-year overall agreement that Lindelof signed with the premium cabler in September 2025.
The eight-episode series is based on the novel of the same name by Adrian McKinty. The exact plot details of the show are being kept secret, but the book is about a mother who is forced to kidnap her child after her own daughter is kidnapped. Lindelof is said to be expanding on the book’s mythology with this series.
“We are honored to continue our partnership with Damon Lindelof, one of the most singular and unique creators of our time,” said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming and Head of HBO Drama Series and Movies. “‘The Chain’ promises to continue his legacy of taking us deep into the human brain and delivering in a way that is not only emotionally bold but ultimately transformative.”
Lindelof will serve as the series’ writer, executive producer, and showrunner. The pilot story was written by Lindelof, Carly Ray, and Brianna Gibson, with Lindelof and Ray writing the pilot script. Media Res’ Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer will executive produce with Shane Salerno. McKinty will serve as co-executive producer. Co-produced by HBO and Media Res.
“From the moment I heard the wild and unique premise of Adrian’s book, I was shocked, surprised, and angry that I had never thought of it myself,” Lindelof said. “I’ve always wanted to try adapting a great thriller to film, and this film has all the dark, strange and exhilarating touches that fire my imagination. I feel so lucky to be reteaming with Francesca, Casey and Michael, who first brought me to HBO 15 years ago, and I can’t wait to make ‘The Chains’ a memorable link to their outstanding legacy.”
Lindelof is currently the co-creator and executive producer of HBO-DC Studios’ upcoming series Lanterns, which is scheduled to debut later this year. He is best known for developing and serving as showrunner on the HBO limited series that followed the hit “Watchmen.” Lindelof and Cord Jefferson won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series Writing for the show, and the show itself won the Outstanding Limited Series Award out of 26 nominations and 11 wins. Lindelof also co-created and directed the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Leftovers” and co-created ABC’s hit series “Lost.” His film work includes “Star Trek,” “Prometheus,” “World War Z,” and “Tomorrowland.”
He is repped by Range Media Partners and Myman Greenspan.
