Apple to develop best-selling novel Shantaram

Apple is set to develop Gregory David Robert’s best-selling novel Shantaram, with American Hustle’s Warren Singer serving as the show’s writer.

Shantaram, which follows an Australian bank robber who escapes from prison and flees to India, has been a hot property across TV and film with a range of producers wanting to work on adaptations.

Previously Johnny Depp has acquired the film rights to the book with Warner Bros. developing, but this is yet to emerge.

More recently, Anonymous Content and Paramount Television had also won the TV rights to the book after a bidding war.

The series will now be produced by Anonymous and Paramount. David Manson (House of Cards) and Andrea Barron will also executive produce along with Steve Golin and Nicole Clemens for Anonymous.

Shantaram has been published in 39 languages over 42 territories worldwide with 6 million copies sold.

This week, Apple also ordered a new musical dramedy series by J.J. Abrams.