An Oscar Wilde adaptation is in the works at The CW. The teen-centric network is developing a female-led series inspired by “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Variety reports.
Hailing from writer and executive producer Marisa Coughlan, “Dorian” is described as “a comedic spin” on the Irish author’s controversial 19th century novel. Rather than a male protagonist, this updated take on the story centers on a woman who made a deal with the devil “50 years ago to remain young and has spent the subsequent decades living selfishly and without consequences. As the downsides of eternal youth finally land on her, Dorian is ready to grow up and age gracefully, but, to do so, she’ll have to make amends for half a century of bad behavior,” the source summarizes.
Warner Bros. Television will produce the project.
Coughlan is also an actress. Her on-screen credits include “Super Troopers,” “Bones,” and “Boston Legal.”
The CW has another adaptation with a gender-swapped main character in the pipeline, “Lean On Me.” Written by Wendy Calhoun (“Empire”), the drama is inspired by the 1989 film starring Morgan Freeman. This new version of the story centers on a female principal working to improve her school in Akron, Ohio.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” has been adapted for the screen many times, most recently with 2009 Ben Barnes-starrer “Dorian Gray.” St. Vincent is attached to direct a film adaptation, also featuring a female lead. David Birke is writing the script.
