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The mega-producer behind the hit television series Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and Mom, Chuck Lorre, has a new project on the horizon: an event series adaptation of the classic Tom Wolfe novel THE BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES for Amazon. Lorre is producing under his overall deal with Warner Bros. TV. Boardwalk Empire writer Margaret Nagle is penning the script and will also serve as an executive producer.
Based on Wolfe’s 1987 novel, the series is described as a drama about ambition, racism, social class, politics and greed in 1980s New York City. The story is told through the perspective of three characters: WASP bond trader Sherman McCoy, Jewish assistant district attorney Larry Kramer, and British journalist Peter Fallow.
The event series marks the first significant adaptation of Wolfe’s work – which initially appeared in a series of installments in Rolling Stone starting back in 1984 – since the 1990 film starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, and Melanie Griffith. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film was a dud at the box office, pulling in just $28 million worldwide against a $38 million budget.
The book, which sets out to capture the essence of New York City in the 1980s, carries themes of greed and excess, particularly surrounding Wall Street, themes which could prove to be relevant given the social and cultural attitudes towards Wall Street.
The series would be a departure for Lorre, who is known for his blockbuster comedy series. In addition to the CBS sitcoms The Big Bang Theory and Mom – both of which pull strong ratings for the network – Lorre is currently working on the pot-themed comedy Disjointed starring Kathy Bates for Netflix.
Lorrie is repped by UTA.
Josh Lyons | Managing Editor
This news was first reported by VThe Hollywood Reporter.” />
