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Universal Global Television is developing a series take on the brand new Jessica Knoll novel “Helpless,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The novel was just published today, July 7, by Scribner and was acquired by UGT’s
Creative Acquisitions & IP Management team. The official description of the book states:
“It’s been twelve years since Faye Heron broke Henry Spalding’s black heart. Faye is now one half of a power-producing duo with her Hollywood husband. Henry is married too, a father, and manning the family empire as was always the plan before their paths diverged spectacularly. When their beloved professor suddenly passes away, they find themselves back on their college campus for the funeral, circling something old and dangerous. Something, if Faye is honest with herself, she has been trying to duplicate for years. But Henry is one of a kind. The kind who delivers a hypnotic apology for the way things ended. The kind who suggests they go back to the hotel for a drink. The kind who drugs and kidnaps her. When Faye comes to Henry’s remote mountain cabin, she’s beside herself. Has Henry brought her here to punish her? She did, after all, write and star in a lauded episode of television based on their indelicate appetites and explosive breakup. As her week of captivity unfolds, Henry’s wanton demands intensify, and a sprawling, years-old mystery begins to take shape—one that will rewrite history as Faye remembers it and reveal an astounding, cataclysmic truth.”
Knoll is adapting her book for the screen and will also executive produce. Stacy Sher is also attached to executive produce.
“With ‘Helpless,’ I wrote the book I’ve been dying to read, and I’m so excited to make the show I’ve been dying to watch,” Knoll said. “Stacey Sher has produced so many of my favorite (and most anticipated!) adaptations and working alongside her and the talented team at Universal Global Television feels like I’ve scratched off a winning lotto ticket.”
Knoll has previously authored the books “Bright Young Women,” “Luckiest Girl Alive,” and “The Favorite Sister.” “Luckiest Girl Alive” was previously adapted into a film in 2022 starring Mila Kunis, while Knoll is also attached to write multiple other projects.
In television, Sher’s producing credits include “Mrs. America,” “Into the Badlands,” “Sweet/Vicious,” “Reno 911,” and “Skylanders Academy.” She is a two-time Academy Award nominee — first in 2001 for “Erin Brockovich” and again in 2013 for “Django Unchained.” She has also produced hit films like “Pulp Fiction,” “The Hateful Eight,” “Out of Sight,” “Garden State,” “Reality Bites,” “Get Shorty,” “Man on the Moon,” and “Gattaca.” Most recently, she produced the A24 horror film “Heretic” starring Hugh Grant.
Knoll is repped by WME for books and CAA for film & TV. Sher is repped by CAA and Gang, Tyre, Ramer.
