Fresh from achieving success with his adaptation of “Heated Rivalry” for Crave TV, Jacob Tierney is embarking on a new endeavor inspired by Canadian literary excellence. Netflix recently announced that Tierney will be taking on the roles of writer, director, and executive producer for “Alexander,” a series based on Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed 2009 novel, “The Golden Mean.”
Set in fourth-century BC Greece, “Alexander” delves into the dynamic relationship between Aristotle, who becomes the tutor to the rebellious and volatile teenage prince, Alexander the Great. Lyon’s novel, “The Golden Mean,” garnered international acclaim and was a contender for prestigious literary awards such as the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award, ultimately clinching the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Expressing his deep admiration for Lyon’s work, Tierney shared that he has harbored a desire to bring this narrative to life ever since discovering the book years ago. Lyon revealed that Tierney had initially approached her about adapting the novel in 2014, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the project over the years.
Fans of “Heated Rivalry” may find a sense of familiarity in Tierney’s latest project. Following the success of adapting Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series into the TV show “Heated Rivalry,” Tierney has solidified his position as a prominent figure in television production. Netflix’s head of scripted for U.S. and Canadian series, Jinny Howe, expressed excitement about collaborating with Tierney on “Alexander,” emphasizing the series’ reimagining of the mentor-protégé power dynamics with a contemporary twist.
Joining Tierney as executive producers on “Alexander” are Brendan Brady, who also worked on “Heated Rivalry,” along with Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films. Lyon, who will provide consulting input for the project, praised Tierney’s ability to capture the essence of her characters, particularly drawing parallels between the protagonists of “Heated Rivalry” and Alexander.
Reflecting on the adaptation of her book nearly two decades after its publication, Lyon highlighted the timeless themes of ambition, love, and conflict that resonate across different eras. She expressed hope that the adaptation of “The Golden Mean” will resonate with audiences by bridging the past with the present, exploring universal aspects of human nature.
By infusing Lyon’s rich narrative with his creative vision, Tierney aims to deliver a compelling series that transcends historical boundaries and speaks to contemporary audiences.