HBO Max Announces 3 New Shows in Development, Including Sci-Fi Classic ‘Snow Crash’
HBO Max is on a developing spree. Three new shows — sci-fi classic “Snow Crash,” a coming-of-age drama “Vegas High” and “The Beach,” based on Melissa de la Cruz’s book “Beach Lane” — are in the works.
First, Neal Stephenson’s “Snow Crash” combines an array of subjects, such as Sumerian myth, virtual reality, history, linguistics and religion. The series centers on the Hiro Protagonist who delivers pizza for Uncle Enzo’s CosoNostra Pizza Inc. But in the Metaverse, he’s a warrior prince!
Nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1994, “Show Crash” was initially nabbed by Amazon for a TV adaptation. It’s now part of HBO Max’s adventure/fantasy lineup.
Michael Bacall (“21 Jump Street”) and Joe Cornish (“Attack the Block”) are adapting with Frank Marshall, one of the founders of Amblin Entertainment, alongside Steven Spielberg. Marshall also produced many of Spielberg’s hits, such as “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Stephenson has written numerous books, including “The Big U” and “Zodiac.”
On the teen front, HBO Max has tapped Jordana Spiro (“Ozark”) and Josh Andrés Rivera (upcoming “West Side Story” movie) to headline “Vegas High.” The show, which is based on writer Sarah-Raquel Jimenez’ experiences in the 1990s, focuses on a girl named Laura who is caught between the glitzy Las Vegas lifestyle and her Mormon community.
Spiro plays the mother of Laura and Rivera portrays her brother. The role of Laura has yet to be cast. Gillian Robespierre (“Landline,” “Obvious Child”) is set to direct. She just finished filming the indie “Small Engine Repair” and the Fox trilogy “Fear Street.”
Finally, HBO Max is developing “The Beach,” a one-hour drama based on de la Cruz’s New York Times’ bestseller “Beach Lane.” It focuses on three teens that work in the Hamptons’ exclusive homes and clubs, but find their lives commingled with wealthy families who summer in the posh towns.
Written by Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith, who have the drama “Love Me” set at ABC, the duo also worked together as co-executive producers on the second season of Netflix/WBTV’s “Fuller House.” Cardillo’s ‘Isn’t It Romantic” was released in February and has grossed $48 million domestic with a worldwide release on Netflix.