An adaptation of William Hjortsberg’s 1978 novel Falling Angel, the 1987 neo-noir psychological horror film Angel Heart has developed a strong cult following in the decades since its release – a fact which has now paved the way for the concept to receive the TV series treatment from A24, HBO, Black Rabbit creator Zach Baylin, and star / executive producer Zac Efron.
What is Angel Heart about?
Written and directed by Alan Parker, Angel Heart has the following synopsis: Harry Angel is a private detective contracted by Louis Cyphre to track down the iconic singer Johnny Favorite. However, everybody that Angel questions about Favorite seems to meet a tragic demise. Eventually the trail leads Angel to New Orleans where he learns that Favorite had dabbled in the black arts. As Favorite’s whereabouts and true identity become clear, Angel learns that being hired by Cyphre was not a random choice.
The film starred Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet, and Charlotte Rampling.
Deadline reports that the TV series will draw inspiration from both Fallen Angel and its sequel Angel’s Inferno (which was written by Hjortsberg but not published until three years after he passed away). The series will follow a down-and-out NYC paparazzi, who makes his living finding and photographing people who don’t want to be found, who is hired by a mysterious man to find a missing woman. But the deeper he digs to find her, the more it looks like a group of powerful elites, and maybe something supernatural, are covering up the disappearance.
Zac Efron will be taking on the lead role and executive producing alongside Zach Baylin, who is writing the series. In addition to Black Rabbit, Baylin’s credits include King Richard (which earned him an Oscar nomination), Creed III, Gran Turismo, Bob Marley: One Love, and The Order.
Jonathan van Tulleken, best known for his work on Shogun, is expected to direct several episodes as well as executive produce. Other executive producers include Baylin’s partner Kate Susman through their Youngblood Pictures, Marc Toberoff, Max Hjortsberg, Lorca Hjortsberg, Alice P. Neuhauser, Joe Hipps for Cut To, Stuart Manashil, Kevin Turen, and Harrison Kreiss.
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