Syfy prexy Dave Howe announced Friday that the cabler has given a series greenlight to the drama “12 Monkeys,” which is based on Terry Gilliam’s 1995 Universal Pictures film that starred Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis.
In addition to the pilot, Syfy has ordered 12 episodes of the series produced by Universal Cable Prods. and Atlas Entertainment.
“12 Monkeys” stars “Nikita’s” Aaron Stanford and Noah Bean, “Suits” actress Amanda Schull and Kirk Acevedo of “Fringe.” The series follows the journey of Stanford’s character, a traveler from the post-apocalyptic future who appears in present day on a mission to uncover and eliminate the source of a deadly plague that threatens the human race.
“‘12 Monkeys’ is a captivating time travel adventure and high stakes race against the clock,” Howe said. “We are thrilled to add it to our slate of engaging and thought-provoking new scripted projects, including the recently announced event series ‘Ascension’ and the second season renewal of ‘Helix’ from Ron Moore.”
Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven, who produced the original film, and Richard Suckle will serve as exec producers. Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett penned the pilot and will serve as co-exec producers with Natalie Chaidez as exec producer and showrunner. Jeffrey Reiner of “Friday Night Lights” directed and served as exec producer on the pilot.
The series is slated to premiere in January 2015.
