Endemol Studios has enlisted “Amelie” director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Tony Krantz to develop a drama series based on “Phantom of the Opera.”
Project marks the second effort to turn Gaston Leroux’s 1909 novel into a TV series. Marc Cherry and Sabrina Wind are shepherding a contemporary take on the story for ABC and ABC Studios. Like that project, Endemol’s “Phantom” is not tied to the musical that has been a global sensation for composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Krantz, a seasoned TV and film producer, is making his first foray into writing with a rendition of the story set in 1919, with the central figure being a British WWI fighter pilot suffering from burns over most of his body. Jeunet is on board to direct.
“I look forward to directing Tony Krantz’s imaginative version of Phantom of the Opera with Endemol Studios,” Jeunet said. “We have an opportunity to re-tell Gaston Leroux’s classic novel of mystery and intriguing romance against a background of great social change.”
Alcon Television and Krantz’s Flame Ventures are producing for Endemol. Krantz, Jeunet and Colin Callender are exec producing.
