ABC has acquired the rights to the book “Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11” and will adapt it into a limited series set to debut in 2021.
The book, from author and former Boston Globe reporter Mitchell Zuckoff, “chronicles the stories of those who were lost, saved and forever altered by the most heinous acts of terrorism on American soil,” ABC said in its announcement. “This profound portrait of humanity and resilience in the face of unspeakable horror will honor the history and events of this tragic day.”
The 2021 adaptation will be timed to the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The series will be produced by Lionsgate and 3 Arts Entertainment. Erwin Stoff and Richard Abate of 3 Arts will executive produce alongside Zuckoff.
“I can’t imagine a more perfect home for this project,” Zuckoff said in a statement. “On 9/11, millions of people learned about the attacks by turning to ABC. I have complete faith that the network will enable us to bring new and enhanced life to the stories I was privileged to tell in ‘Fall and Rise.’”
A Pulitzer-nominated investigative journalist, Zuckoff was a member of the Boston Globe Spotlight Team and led the Globe’s coverage of the attacks in 2001. He is the author of seven previous books and serves as the Sumner M. Redstone Professor of Narrative Studies at Boston University.
“When I first read Mitchell’s manuscript, I knew that it would be an honor to bring this remarkable work to television. This is the story of how America came together on that day, first in horror, then in grief, and finally in determination and hope,” Stoff said. “We at 3 Arts couldn’t be more delighted to be working with our Lionsgate partners and the amazing team at ABC in bringing ‘Fall and Rise’ to the screen.”
Added Jan Ramirez, chief curator of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, “‘Fall and Rise’ is beautifully constructed and perfectly paced. It reads as a compelling jigsaw puzzle … We can see ourselves reflected in the mirror of the lives that Zuckoff has restored through rigorous research, sensitive listening, and artful storytelling. Infused with empathy, ‘Fall and Rise’ dignifies not only the individuals profiled in this book but all who were violated by the terrorist attacks of 9/11.”