Small screen adaptations of silver screen stories have become big business in recent years. Even the most self-contained films, such as The Exorcist, have managed to receive thoroughly enjoyable, serialized adaptations in recent years, and now it appears networks are becoming even bolder with the stories they're choosing to adapt. Things are about to get very cold over at TNT, as the network is moving forward with a project based on the 2013 train-based thriller, Snowpiercer.
We've just learned that TNT has officially ordered a pilot based on Bong Joon-ho's 2013 film, Snowpiercer. Set seven years before the events of the film, the pilot will center on the inhabitants of the titular train as it makes its perpetual journey around a frozen, uninhabitable earth. Similar to the film (as well as the French graphic novel that inspired it) the narrative will focus on topics of social inequality and class structure, as the inhabitants of Snowpiercer's rear cars fight for survival while the rich live in luxury towards the front of the train.
At first glance, Snowpiercer doesn't seem like the most obvious choice of story for a serialized television series, but it actually makes quite a bit of sense. Although the movie features a relatively open-and-shut narrative and features a fairly definitive conclusion, it also hints at an enormous backstory that doesn't get very detailed. There are 17 years worth of untold stories for the pilot to draw from, and a wealth of real world issues that the project can tackle.
Of course, it's worth noting that we still know very little about the narrative specifics of the Snowpiercer pilot. Given the fact that the pilot will take place a decade before the events of the movie, the pilot could center on a young Curtis (played by Chris Evans in the film), or an entirely new protagonist altogether. The film references several different revolutionaries who have led revolts at various points in time during the train's never-ending journey, so it's possible for the pilot to explore brand new heroes.
A small screen adaptation of Snowpiercer also fits into the overarching trend of post-apocalyptic television projects that have become increasingly common in recent years. From The Walking Dead to The 100, TV shows based on end of humanity as we know it draw big ratings for their respective networks, and Snowpiercer already has a rabid, built-in fan base. The stage is set for this pilot to become a potentially huge hit with audiences, assuming it makes it to them.
CinemaBlend will bring you any and all relevant details related to TNT's Snowpiercer pilot as new information becomes available to us. For more information concerning all of the most highly anticipated spring television debuts, make sure to check out our comprehensive midseason premiere guide and fill our your TV viewing schedules accordingly!
