Netflix orders ‘The Overstory’ adaptation from Benioff & Weiss

Netflix has ordered a series adaptation of the Richard Powers novel The Overstory from Game Of Thrones creators David Benioff and DB Weiss, with actor Hugh Jackman also attached to exec produce.

The project comes as part of Benioff and Weiss’ multi-year TV and film deal with Netflix to bring original content to the platform.

The Overstory will be the creative duo’s third adaptation for Netflix, following a series based on Liu Cixin’s sci-fi trilogy The Remembrance Of Earth’s Past and new six-part comedy-drama The Chair.

Powers’ story is a work of environmental fiction centred around a group of individuals who share a unique connection with certain trees and set out to protect the forests.

Richard Robbins wrote the script for the pilot and will serve as executive producer, alongside Benioff, Weiss, Jackman and Bernadette Caulfield, while author Powers is attached as co-executive producer.

X-Men franchise star Jackman is reported to be a fan of the original novel and US reports suggest he may star in the adaptation, though it is yet to be confirmed.