Ava DuVernayis a talented filmmaker whose subjects of focus alternate between incisive portrayals of real-life events (Selma) and big-dreaming, hard-hitting flights of high-concept fantasy (A Wrinkle in Time). Now, a new sci-fi series at Amazon promises to blend the two impulses together – and DuVernay is bringing along rising talentVictoria Mahoneyfor the ride. PerVariety, the two are developingDawn, an adaptation of the influential sci-fi novel, for the streamer.
The original novel, written in 1987 byOctavia E. Butler, is part of a three-novel series that continues withAdulthood RitesandImago– referred to collectively asLilith’s Brood. The novels follow a black woman, Lilith Iyapo, held captive by an alien race whose risen to power after an apocalyptic nuclear war wipes out most of the human race 250 years prior. Forming an uneasy truce with the aliens, Lilith figures out how to live better, and how to bring humanity back. These books – and the resulting TV series, I assume – interrogate themes involving race, gender, sexuality, and more.
Mahoney isthe first woman to ever direct part of aStar Warsfilm, working as the second unit director onRise of Skywalkereight years after directing her first featureYelling to the Sky. Since then, she’s been directing episodes ofLovecraft Country,Grey’s Anatomy, andClaws. She will write and direct the pilot forDawn, and serve as executive producer alongside DuVernay,Charles D. King(Gentefied),Allen Bain(Revenge of the Green Dragons),Gary Pearl(Jane the Virgin) andThomas L. Carter(Triple Dog).
This series sounds like an incredible work, from its subject matter, source of adaptation, and incredible creative team – not to mention its promise of interrogating necessary issues within a sci-fi framework, and its refreshing inclusion behind the camera. We’ll keep you updated onDawnas its sun continues to rise. For more on DuVernay, check out our latest intel on theRosario Dawson-starringDMZ. Plus: a fun tease aboutNew Gods. And: our review of her masterfulWhen They See Us.
