Eleven and Sony Television International are adapting novelist and former politician Jeffrey Archer’s bestselling “Kane and Abel” trilogy for television.
The trilogy, comprising “Kane and Abel,” “The Prodigal Daughter” and “Shall We Tell The President,” were written by Archer between 1977 and 1982. It tells the story of two men, one Polish, an illegitimate son of a Baron, the other rich and privileged from a wealthy Boston banking family. Born on the same day on opposite sides of the world, their paths cross only once in their ruthless pursuit to build a fortune, but what follows is an epic story of revenge that spans 60 years. linked by an all-consuming hatred after one catastrophic incident, these two patriarchs blindly commit their lives to destroying one another’s empires. It’s only when Abel’s strong-willed daughter, Florentyna, meets Kane’s son Richard, that these two enemies start to understand that their feud is going to come at great personal cost.
“Kane and Abel” is written by Sarah Quintrell (“His Dark Materials”) and executive produced by Joel Wilson and Jamie Campbell for Eleven, and James Baker and James Archer for The Jeffrey Archer Company. Sony Pictures Television, who acquired Eleven in 2020, will handle international rights.
Eleven is best known for hit Netflix series “Sex Education” and Stan/BBC series “Ten Pound Poms.” “Sex Education” Season 4 continues to rack up the numbers for Netflix.
Archer’s books are published in more than 100 countries and in more than 45 languages with sales estimated to be more than 275 million copies.
“Kane and Abel” was previously adapted as a CBS series in 1985 and starred Sam Neill and Peter Strauss.
“I am thrilled to be working with Sony, Joel and the Eleven Productions team and Sarah to reimagine the ‘Kane and Abel’ trilogy for a new TV series,” said Archer.
Quintrell added: “It’s exciting to be adapting Jeffrey’s epic and extraordinary ‘Kane and Abel’ trilogy. The big themes of power, privilege, pride, love and loss – exploring what man does to man and the ramifications of our behaviour across generations – feel incredibly timely. The bold storytelling and wonderful twists and hooks meant I couldn’t put the novels down. It’s a writer’s dream to adapt such a rollercoaster ride especially alongside Joel, Sophie and the brilliant team at Eleven.”
Wilson added: “Sarah is the most wonderful writer. The combination of Sarah and Jeffrey’s incredibly compelling trilogy is a deeply fascinating one and I can’t wait to find a broadcaster who shares our vision for the long-running series we have in mind.”
