Look, I can’t say this for certain, but it seems likely that theSnowpiercerTV show will in no way live up to the drama surrounding its own production. And now, WarnerMedia has thrown some more chaotic fuel to the series' fire.
To do some catchup on the journey so far: TNT originallyordered the series— starringDaveed DiggsandJennifer Connelly— in January of 2018, based onJoon-ho Bong‘s 2013 film of the same name, which itself was based on the French post-apocalyptic graphic novel “Le Transperceneige.” The pilot was written byJosh Friedman(Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) and directed byScott Derrickson.
Shortly afterwards, Friedmanleft the projectover “creative differences,” though onTwitterhe stated that he was fired for fear of not being “compliant.” About a month later,Orphan Blackco-creatorGraeme Mansonwas tapped as thenew showrunner, with TNT’s executive vice president of original programming calling him “the best conductor to navigate the thought provoking and delicate themes of the series while bringing this frozen, futuristic world to life.”
But, Friedmanlashed outat Manson for not reaching out to him in a series of Tweets, and then Derrickson tweeted abouthis exit from the seriesciting Manson’s “radically different vision.”
Which brings us to today, when WarnerMedia has announced the series will premiere in the Spring of 2020 on TBS … not TNT. Why the cable channel known for comedy, you may ask? Well, according to a press release: “Known for its culture-defining comedies, TBS will be adding dramas to its programming lineup starting withSnowpiercer.“What?
Further, the series has also been renewed for a second season a year before it even premieres. In the same press release,Brett Weitz, general manager for TBS and TNT, said: “We believe in the longevity of this series and that audiences will be amazed by the fantastical world that brings to life such relevant social, political and environmental issues.” Ok!
The series is “Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland,Snowpiercercenters on the remnants of humanity, who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually-moving train that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation. Writing on Season 2 will begin this June with Graeme Manson (Orphan Black) returning as executive producer and showrunner.”
In addition to Connelly and Diggs, Season 1 ofSnowpiercerstarsAlison Wright(The Americans),Mickey Sumner(Frances Ha),Susan Park(Ghostbusters),Iddo Goldberg(Peaky Blinders),Katie McGuinness(Dirty Filthy Love),Lena Hall(Hedwig and the Angry Inch),Annalise Basso(Bedtime Stories),Sam Otto(Jellyfish),Roberto Urbina(Narcos),Sheila Vand(Argo)andJaylin Fletcher(Saturday Church).Rowan Blanchard(Girl Meets World) has been elevated to series regular for Season 2.
