Fresh from the triumph of his successful television adaptation of “Heated Rivalry” on Crave, Jacob Tierney is embarking on a new endeavor based on esteemed Canadian literature. Netflix has announced that Tierney will be writing, directing, and serving as executive producer for “Alexander,” a series adapted from Annabel Lyon’s renowned 2009 novel, “The Golden Mean.”
Set in Greece during the fourth century BC, “Alexander” delves into the dynamics when Aristotle takes on the role of tutor to the rebellious and volatile teenage prince, Alexander the Great. Lyon’s novel, “The Golden Mean,” achieved international acclaim, earning nominations for prestigious literary awards such as the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award, while also clinching the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Expressing his passion for Lyon’s book, Tierney shared, “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book ‘The Golden Mean’ years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since.” He first approached Lyon about adapting the novel in 2014, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the project over the years, as Lyon expressed her gratitude for his commitment.
Fans of “Heated Rivalry” may find the narrative of “Alexander” familiar, as Tierney’s admiration for Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” hockey romance series led him to transform the second novel, “Heated Rivalry,” into a successful television show. The show premiered on Crave in November and stands as its most triumphant original series, propelling Tierney into the limelight as a prominent figure in TV production.
Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of scripted for U.S. and Canadian series, commended Tierney’s creative prowess, stating, “Tierney is one of the most exciting, in-demand creative voices working today, and we are thrilled to work with him on ‘Alexander.'” The series promises to reimagine the timeless power struggle between mentor and protégé with a contemporary flair that blends grandeur with intimacy.
Joining the production team as executive producers for “Alexander” are Brendan Brady, who also co-produced “Heated Rivalry,” along with Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films. Lyon, while taking on a consulting role in the project, expressed her confidence in Tierney’s ability to adapt her novel, emphasizing the thematic resonance between his previous work and her characters.
Reflecting on the significance of having her book adapted nearly two decades after its initial release, Lyon noted the enduring relevance of themes like ambition, greed, war, and love across different eras. She hopes that the adaptation will resonate with audiences by capturing the timeless essence of human experiences, bridging the past and the present.
