FX has greenlit “Fosse/Verdon,” an eight-episode limited series from Lin-Manuel Miranda and “Hamilton” director Thomas Kail, starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, Nick Grad and Eric Schrier, the Presidents of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions, announced Tuesday.
The eight-episode limited series is based on Sam Wasson’s “Fosse” biography and tells the story of the singular romantic and creative partnership between Bob Fosse (Rockwell) and Gwen Verdon (Williams). He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors, she was the greatest Broadway dancer of all time. Together they changed the face of American entertainment – at a perilous cost. FX announced the show will feature Fosse’s choreography and explore the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.
Kail, Miranda, Rockwell, Williams, Steven Levenson and George Stelzner will all executive produce the series, which hails from Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions. Levenson, will serve as showrunner and wrote the premiere episode, which will be directed by Kail. Actress, dancer and producer Nicole Fosse — the daughter of Fosse and Verdon — will serve as co-executive producer and oversees The Verdon Fosse Legacy. Co-producer Andy Blankenbuehler is the show’s choreographer.
“My mother and father have one of the greatest love stories ever known,” Nicole Fosse said. “They were extremely complex people with an indestructible bond, loyalty, and trust that endured both fantasy and reality. Finally, we have a creative team with the talent and wisdom to tell the story.”
“Bob Fosse ignited a revolution in American dance, theater, and film,” Kail, Levenson and Miranda added. “But, in contrast to the well-worn myth of the visionary artist working in solitude, Fosse’s work would not have been possible without Gwen Verdon, the woman who helped to mold his style – and make him a star. We are honored to work with the incredible team at FX and Fox 21, and these two extraordinary actors, to tell the story of this remarkable couple, and the complicated, fascinating relationship between them.”
“Fosse/Verdon” marks the first big limited series FX has locked down since it was announced Ryan Murphy (the prolific producer behind the majority of their limited series) is exiting his overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV for a $300 million pact with Netflix.
“We are over the moon about this dream team we’ve assembled for this incredible series,” said Grad. “Tommy, Steven, and Lin are the perfect team to tell the story of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, and we’re so thrilled to have Sam and Michelle playing these iconic roles.”
“Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon’s story is one of a fascinating, passionate love affair that gave birth to some truly remarkable cultural achievements, and to this day it has been largely untold,” Bert Salke, President of Fox 21 Television Studios, added. “In the capable hands of Steven, Tommy and Lin, with the vital creative input and imprimatur of their only daughter Nicole, this series is going to be a compelling look at these two icons as portrayed by the enormously talented Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams. We’re very excited.”
Production on “Fosse/Verdon” will begin in the fall, with a series debut scheduled for 2019.