According to Deadline, ABC is in the process of developing the series adaptation of author Stephen Mack Jones’ crime novel trilogy titled August Snow with Key & Peele star Keegan-Michael Key attached for the titular role. The network has given the project a script commitment with Godfather of Harlem‘s Paul Eckstein serving as the writer. Should the project score a series order, this would mark Key’s first major scripted drama series as the titular lead after being starring in a number of comedic series like Fargo Season 1 and Friends from College.
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The series will open with August returning home to the city he has deep affection for in search of himself and reconnecting with his roots while also facing enemies on both sides of the law. August becomes a private investigator, a Robin Hood from the hood, gathering a group of unexpectedly talented misfits to help him solve cases, invests his money to help reinvigorate his city in despair, and save himself along the way.
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August Snow’s official character description reads: “He is a biracial former detective who grew up in Detroit’s Mexicantown. After a distinguished military career, he joined the force like his father, only to be drummed out by a conspiracy led by corrupt cops and politicians. August hit back, winning an $18 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit, then packed his bags to travel the world.”
First published in 2017, the first novel in the book trilogy earned Jones acclaimed as he won the Nero Award for excellence in mystery writing and the Hammett Prize for excellence in crime writing. It was then followed by 2019’s Lives Laid Away and the upcoming Dead of Winter which set to launch early this year.
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The August Snow series will be executive produced by Eckstein and Key along with Imagine TV Studios’ Brian Grazer and Samie Kim Falvey. Elle Key alongside Gaspin Media’s Jeff Gaspin and Tony Sabistina will also be executive producing. While Jones will become a consulting producer for the project with James Seidman and Nicole Scott overseeing in behalf of Imagine.
