What's Happening?
Hulu is actively developing a television series based on the 2020 film 'The Kid Detective.' Evan Morgan, who wrote and directed the original movie, is attached to the series as an executive producer. Alex Berger will serve as a writer and executive producer for
the adaptation. Rachel Kaplan of Abescon Entertainment will also executive produce, alongside Jonathan Bronfman and Will Woods, who produced the original film. The series logline indicates that it will follow a washed-up former kid detective who gets a final opportunity to prove himself when a missing persons case reopens a childhood murder he never solved. Adam Brody, who starred as the titular character Abe Applebaum in the film, is not currently attached to the series.
Why It's Important?
This development signifies a growing trend in the entertainment industry of adapting successful independent films into television series, leveraging established narratives and critical acclaim for streaming platforms. For Hulu, securing a series based on a well-received film like 'The Kid Detective' could attract viewers who appreciated the original's unique blend of film noir, dark humor, and exploration of themes like murder, abuse, and existential dread. The involvement of the original film's writer and director, Evan Morgan, suggests a commitment to maintaining the tone and integrity of the source material, which is crucial for retaining the film's fanbase and attracting new audiences. The project also provides opportunities for writers and producers like Alex Berger and Rachel Kaplan to contribute to a high-profile streaming production.
What's Next?
The series is currently in development at Hulu, meaning the next steps will likely involve further script development, casting decisions, and securing a director for the pilot episode. Given the critical success of the original film, there will likely be significant interest in who will be cast in the lead role, especially since Adam Brody is not currently attached. The production team will need to navigate the transition of the story's themes and narrative structure from a feature film to an episodic format. Hulu will also need to determine a production timeline and potential release window for the series, which could be several years away depending on the development process.
Beyond the Headlines
The adaptation of 'The Kid Detective' into a series highlights the evolving landscape of content creation and consumption, where streaming services are increasingly looking to intellectual property with a proven track record. This trend can offer filmmakers new avenues for their stories to reach broader audiences and explore narratives in greater depth than a single film allows. However, it also raises questions about the potential for dilution of the original's artistic vision when stretched across multiple episodes. The film's exploration of a child prodigy's struggle with adult realities and unresolved trauma offers rich thematic material that a series could delve into more deeply, potentially resonating with audiences interested in complex character studies and unconventional crime narratives.
