Mimic–Guillermo del Toro’s American debut film back in 1997–may have received a lukewarm reception from critics, but now, another accomplished filmmaker is developing the concept for Miramax TV.
Paul W. S. Anderson–who helmed big screen horror hits Resident Evil and Event Horizon–will act as executive producer of the proposed Mimic TV series and will direct the pilot episode, as reported by Deadline.
The basic plot of the del Toro film–based on a short story by Donald A. Wollheim–is the creepy, crawly tale of an entomologist who creates a genetically advanced insect to destroy cockroaches carrying a deadly disease. Three years later, these bugs evolve to attack and destroy their only predator–the human race. Never a good thing.
The movie–which del Toro directed and co-wrote with Matthew Robbins–starred Mira Sorvino, Jeremy Northam, Josh Brolin, Charles S. Dutton and F. Murray Abraham.
As far as the TV series goes, Anderson and Jeremy Belt will serve as executive producers, with Jim Danger Gray handling the screenplay and acting as showrunner. As of this writing, the series has not been picked up by a network or streamer.
Anderson said he has been fascinated by insects and their behavior for a long time. “So much strength and organization from such tiny creatures that have existed long before humankind,” he noted, “and will survive long after our demise. It’s an exciting world that I’m thrilled to jump into, especially with such great partners as Jim and Miramax.”
Gray explained his take on the disturbing theme inherent in the story. “Mimic explores–on its surface–the idea of insects taking over,” he said. “The anxiety of a bug living inside us, the death of truth, the denial of science and the rise of personal entitlement are at the heart of our show as it examines how society is eaten alive by an invasion that is laying bare its greatest insecurities and failures.”
Marc Helwig, head of Worldwide Television at Miramax TV, called Anderson “one of the leading filmmakers of his generation in the world of science-fiction,” adding that the series “will make your skin crawl, scare the hell out of you, (and) I couldn’t think of a better writer to bring this world to life than Jim Danger Gray.”
Keep reading Horror News Network for more details on the future of the Mimic TV series.
