AMC to Develop Great Depression-Era Novel ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ as Part of Next Franchise Bet

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If you’re someone who enjoys reading books more than watching television, AMC might soon cause some mixed feelings in you.

On Monday, AMC Networks unveiled plans to create a fresh television series, this time crafted by AMC Studios around classic American tales. The debut project will be an adaptation of ‘The Grapes of Wrath’, written by John Steinbeck.

For each installment of our anthology series, we’ll focus on a distinct renowned piece, significant historical event, or compelling American tale that embodies and emphasizes the essence of America. This series, titled Great American Stories, will be broadcast on the AMC cable network and can also be streamed on AMC+’s main streaming platform.

If you’re aiming to give a supernatural twist to traditional American literature, who could be more suitable for the job than Rolin Jones, known for his work on Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” (and “Friday Night Lights”, and “Boardwalk Empire”)? Jones is set to work on “Grapes” initially, and then oversee the series from there, collaborating with renowned creative minds associated with each season, as per AMC.

According to AMC’s chief commercial officer Kim Kelleher in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she views the upcoming project as being on a grand scale similar to that of “The Walking Dead”, the Anne Rice universe, and “Dark Winds”. Even if you haven’t read the book since high school, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding this. She believes that the talented cast assembled for it will do it justice.

As an ardent admirer, I can share with you that Kelleher hinted towards the annual release of a fresh installment in our beloved anthology, featuring diverse stories from various sources. Unfortunately, she remained tight-lipped about potential literary muses for upcoming editions.

In the upcoming project, Jones (a playwright and television writer) will be assisted by Mark Johnson, who manages the Anne Rice Immortal Universe as a whole. Johnson brings a wealth of experience to the table, having produced films and TV shows such as “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “The Natural,” “Rain Man,” “Diner,” “Donnie Brasco,” and many others.

I’ve been on a quest for an engaging narrative to ignite our next blockbuster TV series, and I’ve finally struck gold with ‘The Grapes of Wrath.’ This timeless tale, first published in 1939, remains just as relevant today. As a nation, we’re shaped by countless significant historical events, stories of valor, and tales of fortitude – classics, short stories, forgotten chronicles, all waiting to be brought to life on the screen. After all, our network, originally American Movie Classics, was meant for exactly this purpose.

Jones suggested an analogy: we’re planning Great American Stories as if they were robust automobile factories in Michigan, where visionary writers are brought in, provided with a line of exceptional talent to create the masterpiece, and then left to their own devices. Jones referred to this project as Dan McDermott’s grand, daring, and powerful baseball-bat swing at AMC. He has recruited me to produce a remarkable piece annually, hoping that this will be my lifetime profession.

A timely “torpedo bat” reference there out of Jones; clearly an MLB fan.

Johnson expressed, ‘I’ve never experienced greater professional stress than when I took on the task of bringing iconic American tales to life through television. I am deeply appreciative to AMC for extending this invitation and immensely indebted to Rolin for his faith in me. This is a daunting opportunity!’

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2025-04-07 17:24