AMC has given a series order to drama The Terror, a new scripted anthology series based on the bestselling novel by Dan Simmons. The order is for 10 hourlong episodes slated to premiere in 2017.
Set in 1847, The Terror centers on a Royal Naval expedition crew searching for the Northwest Passage when they are attacked by a mysterious predator that stalks the ships and their crew in a suspenseful and desperate game of survival.
David Kajganich created the series and will serve as co-showrunner on the first season with Soo Hugh. They will executive produce with Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, Alexandra Milchan, Scott Lambert and Guymon Casady. AMC Studios, Scott Free Productions, Emjag Productions and Entertainment 360 will produce.
"We've been focused on developing this incredible story for television with these great partners for a couple of years, and we think it provides rich dramatic material but also an opportunity to explore the anthology format, which is something we're extremely interested in and offers some unique possibilities," said Joel Stillerman, President of Original Programming and Development, AMC and SundanceTV. "Originality is still something that gets our attention every day, and the very unique mixing of historical non-fiction with a gripping and imaginative science fiction overlay in Dan's novel is something that we hadn't seen before. That, combined with an exceptional team behind the project made this something we really wanted to bring to air on AMC."
"Dan's novel is that rare combination of fascinating actual history, ground-breaking genre storytelling, and the complex character work of literature," said Kajganich. "The chance to launch a series that will incorporate all of those elements going forward, and with a team of this caliber, is extraordinary."
"As a long-time fan of Dan Simmons, the opportunity to join this project is a dream come true," added Hugh. "We look forward to bringing his story to life for the passionate AMC audience."
