Robin Wright to Star in, Direct ‘The Girlfriend’ Series Adaptation at Amazon; Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson, Waleed Zuaiter Among Cast
Amazon Prime Video has ordered a series adaptation of the Michelle Frances novel “The Girlfriend” with Robin Wright set to star and direct, Variety has learned.
In addition, Olivia Cooke (“House of the Dragon,” “Sound of Metal”), Laurie Davidson (“Mary and George”), and Waleed Zuaiter (“Gangs of London”) will star alongside Wright.
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The official description of the series states: “Laura (Wright) wants for nothing. She has a glittering career, a loving husband, Howard (Zuaiter), and, above all, she has Daniel (Davidson), her precious only son. But Laura’s seemingly perfect life is blown apart when Daniel brings home Cherry (Cooke), the girlfriend who changes everything. After an uncomfortable first meeting, Laura grows convinced that Cherry isn’t who she says she is. While no one else can see what she sees, Laura refuses to stand by and watch Daniel be deceived. She’ll do anything to protect him. As things go from bad to deadly, the question is, is Cherry a manipulative social climber? Or is Laura paranoid and possessive? The truth is a matter of perspective.”
“I’m thrilled to be directing and acting in this wildly delicious psychological thriller filled with plot twists and surprising character turns, and to be working with such talented actors, Olivia and Laurie, and an overall amazing cast & crew…so excited!” said Wright.
Gabbie Asher and Naomi Sheldon serve as writers on the series, with episodes also written by Marek Horn, Ava Wong Davies, Isis Davis, and Helen Kingston. Asher is also an executive producer. Wright serves as an executive producer in addition to starring and directing. Jonathan Cavendish, Will Tennant, and Phil Robertson of The Imaginarium will also executive produce along with John Zois, Dave Clarke, and Frances. The series is produced by Imaginarium Productions and Amazon MGM Studios
“The Girlfriend is a suspenseful family drama about the collapse of a mother and son’s bond, shown through relatable themes of love, greed, and power,” says Vernon Sanders, head of television for Amazon MGM Studios. “This series speaks directly to our Pan-English strategy maintained by Rola Bauer and we’re thrilled to work with Imaginarium and Robin Wright in adapting Michelle Frances’ compelling story for our global Prime Video customers.”
Wright previously directed multiple episodes of the hit Netflix drama “House of Cards,” in which she also starred and for which she won a Golden Globe and received six Emmy nominations for best actress in a drama. She has also directed episodes of “Tell Me Lies” and “Ozark.” As an actress, Wright is known for her roles in films like “The Princess Bride,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Unbreakable.” Her recent acting credits include “Blade Runner 2049,” the “Wonder Woman” films, and “Damsel.”
She is repped by CAA and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. Cooke is repped by CAA, The Artists Partnership, Brillstein, and Hansen Jacobson. Davidson is repped by UTA, Laurie Davidson, and Goodman Genow. Zuaiter is repped by Gersh, Echo Lake Entertainment, The Artists Partnership in the UK, and Cowans, DeBates, Abrahams & Sheppard.
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