Despite only being adapted as a single big screen film, LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS is being rebooted as a small screen series by Paramount Television and Netflix. The feature film starred Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep, and was the debut of Emily Browning to most audiences. The film grossed $209 million worldwide but did not become the HARRY POTTER level hit the studio expected. Maybe they will have better luck with the longer format of television.
There is no director in place yet, but Brad Silberling‘s film evoked the work of Tim Burton and would make for a unique fantasy adventure that doesn’t have much competition on television these days.
Narrated by Snicket, A Series Of Unfortunate Events recounts the tale of the orphaned children Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire at the hands of the villainous Count Olaf, as they face trials and tribulations, misfortunes and an evil uncle in search of their fortune, all in their quest to uncover the secret of their parents’ deaths. The 13 books in the series have sold more than 65 million copies and have been translated into 43 languages.
Jim Carrey‘s performance as Count Olaf was one of his best in recent memory and I wouldn’t consider it to be too much to consider bringing him back for the series. Netflix has begun a push for original family programming with their TURBO and KING JULIEN animated series and the recent acquisition of a live action RICHIE RICH sitcom. LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS will likely have the same high production values as HOUSE OF CARDS and other original shows on the streaming service and should represent another big win if it comes to fruition.
There is no set premiere date for the show, but stay tuned for details.
