Fresh from the triumph of bringing Heated Rivalry to the small screen on Crave, Jacob Tierney is embarking on another venture inspired by Canadian literary excellence. Netflix revealed on Thursday that Tierney will be the writer, director, and executive producer of Alexander, a new series based on Vancouver author Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed 2009 novel, The Golden Mean.
Set in fourth-century BC Greece, Alexander chronicles the dynamic relationship between Aristotle and the rebellious young prince, Alexander the Great, whom he tutors. Lyon’s The Golden Mean achieved widespread success, garnering nominations for prestigious awards like the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award, and securing the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Tierney expressed his long-standing admiration for Lyon’s work, stating, “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book The Golden Mean years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since.” Lyon disclosed that Tierney first approached her about adapting the novel in 2014, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the project. Lyon expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the significance of having the book adapted 17 years after its initial publication.
Fans of Heated Rivalry may find the trajectory of Alexander familiar. Tierney’s passion for Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series led him to transform the second novel, Heated Rivalry, into a successful television series on Crave. This achievement catapulted Tierney into the limelight as one of the industry’s most sought-after talents.
Netflix’s head of scripted for U.S. and Canadian series, Jinny Howe, lauded Tierney’s creativity, describing the upcoming series as a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic mentor-protege power dynamics, infused with a modern sensibility that balances grandeur and intimacy.
Joining Tierney on the production team are Brendan Brady, a co-producer of Heated Rivalry, as well as Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films. Lyon will contribute in a consulting capacity to ensure the authenticity of the adaptation, expressing confidence in Tierney’s ability to capture the essence of her novel.
Reflecting on Tierney’s prior work, Lyon highlighted the nuanced portrayal of young male characters in Heated Rivalry, drawing parallels to the complexity of Alexander the Great. She underscored the enduring relevance of themes like ambition, love, and conflict, noting the adaptation’s potential to resonate with contemporary audiences while honoring historical contexts.
In summary, Tierney’s latest endeavor, Alexander, promises to be a compelling exploration of historical intrigue and human relationships, blending ancient narratives with a contemporary touch, underlining the enduring universality of human experiences.