Amazon announced today that they have greenlit Lorena, a Prime Original series executive produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out, The Last O.G.) and produced by Monkeypaw and Sonar Entertainment. The four-part documentary series, directed by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Joshua Rofé (Lost for Life) will take a new look at Lorena Bobbitt’s infamous story from her perspective, timed to the 25th anniversary of the case.
Lorena reveals the hidden truths in the notorious case of John Wayne and Bobbitt and challenges the long-held narrative that surrounds this event. The docuseries provides a fresh perspective on not only Bobbitt’s story but how this event laid the groundwork for the modern 24-hour news cycle and increasing sensationalistic media coverage.
25 years later, Lorena is a groundbreaking re-investigation of the deep moral issues and painful human tragedies buried at the heart of this infamous American scandal. Lost in the tabloid coverage and jokes was the opportunity for a national discussion on domestic and sexual assault in America.
Heather Schuster, Head of Unscripted for Amazon Originals, said: “Jordan has proven himself as a captivating voice of social critique and we are excited to work with him on this project. ‘Lorena’ reframes Lorena Bobbitt’s story around issues of sexism and domestic abuse and offers Prime members an exclusive new view into how America got her story wrong and maybe continues to get it wrong.”
“Our hope for this series is to give viewers pause when the next scandal of the moment is presented to us as macabre entertainment. Often, there’s profound pain and trauma just beneath the surface of stories like Lorena’s,” added Rofé.
Peele also spoke about the project, saying, “When we hear the name ‘Bobbitt’ we think of one of the most sensational incidents to ever be catapulted into a full-blown media spectacle. With this project, Lorena has a platform to tell her truth as well as engage in a critical conversation about gender dynamics, abuse, and her demand for justice. This is Lorena’s story and we’re honored to help her tell it.”
Lorena is executive produced by Peele and Win Rosenfeld for Monkeypaw, Rofé and Steven J. Berger for Number 19, Jenna Santoianni and Tom Lesinski for Sonar and is produced by Monkeypaw, Sonar Entertainment, and Number 19. The series will be a global release and available on PrimeVideo.com for Prime Video members in more than 200 countries and territories.
For more information on Lorena Bobbitt’s story, read her brief bio here.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
