Epix is currently in development on a new series, Slaughterhouse-Five, from Universal Cable Productions, Variety has confirmed. The show is based on the classic novel from author Kurt Vonnegut.
The series will focus on Billy Pilgrim, a WWII soldier who becomes “unstuck in time” and travels back and forth through his past, present, and future. The book explores the idea of predestination versus free will, the impacts of war, and the perception of time itself.
Slaughterhouse-Five will be directed by Emmy nominated Kari Skogland (The Handmaid’s Tale) and written and executive produced by Patrick Macmanus (Syfy’s Happy!). Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead) is executive producing via Valhalla Entertainment along with Ensemble Entertainment’s Jon Brown and Bradley Yonover of Brand Y Media.
Slaughterhouse-Five was originally published in 1969 and while receiving critical acclaim, it was also met with controversy causing the novel to be banned from some schools. The story has been adapted before when director George Roy Hill helmed the 1972 feature starring Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman, and Eugene Roche. The movie, written by Stephen Geller, received a Golden Globe nomination with Michael Sacks nominated in the Most Promising Newcomer – Male category.
