HBO has entered development on a limited series adaptation of the novel “Lake Success” led by Jake Gyllenhaal, the network announced on Thursday.
Gyllenhaal is attached to star in and executive produce the project, based on the 2018 book by Gary Shteyngart. The author will serve as co-writer and co-showrunner on the project with “The Leftovers” and “Watchmen” alum Tom Spezialy.
The series centers on a narcissistic, self-deluded and hilariously divorced from the real world hedge-fund manager named Barry Cohen (Gyllenhaal), who flees his family, his past and the SEC on a cross-country bus ride in search of his college girlfriend and a last chance at romantic redemption. Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, his brilliant wife Seema struggles to raise their autistic son and begins a tragicomic love affair of her own.
Should the project move forward, “Lake Success” would mark Gyllenhaal’s first series regular TV role.
“Gary’s novel is a beautifully executed character study highlighting the depth of human contradiction and complication, set against the timely backdrop of America today,” Gyllenhall said in a joint statement with Riva Marker of his Nine Stories banner. “We are thrilled to partner with HBO, who has consistently been home to some of the most exciting and acclaimed premium content over the past two decades.”
The project is produced by Nine Stories and Endeavor Content.