Variety brings word that streamer HBO Max has ordered three pilots including the hour-long drama Rules of Magic, based on the novels Rules of Magic and Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman previously starred in the 1998 movie adaptation of Practical Magic.
RELATED: HBO Max Wants Big Bang theory & Two and a Half Men for Streaming Deal
Rules of Magic is set in 1960s New York City and follows three troubled siblings, Franny, Jet, and Vincent Owens, who wrestle with “abnormalities” that have kept them isolated. But the tumultuous times unearth the extraordinary discovery that they are, in fact, descendants of a bloodline of witches. The two sisters will become the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while their brother will leave an unexpected legacy.
The series will be written by Jessica Jones creator Melissa Rosenberg, who will executive produce through Tall Girls Productions. This will mark her first project under her overall deal with Warner Bros. Television. Dana Baratta will serve as writer and executive producer, PatMa Productions’ Denise Di Novi and Nina Tassler will executive produce alongside Hoffman. A writers’ room is being set for the 10-episode script order.
The dramas Generation and Red Bird Lane were also ordered by HBO Max from Warner Bros. Television. Generation follows a group of high school students whose exploration of modern sexuality (devices and all) test deeply entrenched beliefs about life, love and the nature of family in their conservative community. The series was created by Zelda Barnz, the 17-year-old daughter of Daniel and Ben Barnz. Zelda will write and co-executive produce the half-hour series.
Daniel will serve as co-writer and director. Daniel and Ben will executive produce via their We’re Not Brothers Productions banner. Lena Dunham will also executive produce with Marissa Diaz serving as producer.
RELATED: Doctor Who to Stream Exclusively on WarnerMedis’ HBO Max
Red Bird Lane is an hour-long, YA morality and psychological horror series about eight strangers who arrive at an isolated house — all for different reasons — and quickly realize that something sinister and terrifying awaits them. The series will be written by Sara Gran, who will also executive produce alongside John Wells Productions’ John Wells and Erin Jontow. Dan Halsted will serve as consulting producer.
