A TV series adaptation of “The Last of the Mohicans” is in the works at Paramount Television from Cary Joji Fukunaga and “Watchmen” director Nicole Kassell.
The project is a retelling of James Fenimore Cooper’s novel about the French and Indian War that re-centers the classic tale on the unlikely romance between Uncas, a young Mohican, and Cora, the mixed-race daughter of a British colonel. Fukunaga’s Parliament of Owls will produce the series with Anonymous Content. Fukunaga will write with Nicholas Osborne, with Kassell directing.
“The clash of civilizations during the Seven Years War, which frames the story of ‘Last of the Mohicans’ has been a long-time passion of mine. It was a world war before the term even existed. The opportunity to recreate the story’s strong-willed and free-thinking characters, with talents including Nick Osborne and Nicole Kassell, is incredibly exciting to me. Together with Paramount TV and Anonymous Content, we have the chance to revive the forgotten ancestors that define American identity today,” Fukunaga said.
“I am profoundly excited to be a part of this extraordinary team and to be bringing a new light and perspective to this period in our history. While the James Fenimore Cooper book and original film leave large shoes to fill, Nick and Cary’s script is a riveting read and fresh take,” Kassell added. “They embrace this incredible opportunity to show and explore characters so often marginalized. To echo a sentiment Nick expressed to me in our first conversation ‘certain stories are timeless vessels that allow different generations to look at it and explore them in different ways.’ To be a part of bringing these eyes and hearts to the screen is the opportunity of a lifetime for me.”
Fukunaga is currently directing “Bond 25.” His past credits include “True Detective,” “Maniac,” and “The Alienist.” He will executive produce “The Last of the Mohicans” alongside Osborne, Alex Goldstone (“Dickinson”), Bard Dorros (“True Detective,” “Counterpart”), Michael Sugar (“Maniac”, “The Knick”) and Kassell (“Watchmen”).
“The Last of the Mohicans” has been made several times for both television and film. There have been nine film adaptations, beginning with the 1911 film starring James Cruze, and most recently the 1992 version starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Past TV adaptions included 1957’s “Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans” and most recently 2004’s Italian animated series “The Last of the Mohicans.”
Fukunaga is repped by WME and Sugar23, Osbourne by CAA and Anonymous Content, and Kassell by WME and Management 360.
Deadline was first to report the news.