Fresh from the triumph of his television adaptation of “Heated Rivalry” on Crave, Jacob Tierney is embarking on a new venture inspired by a renowned Canadian literary work. Tierney has been announced as the writer, director, and executive producer of “Alexander,” a series based on Annabel Lyon’s novel “The Golden Mean” from 2009, as revealed by Netflix on Thursday.
Set in fourth-century BC Greece, “Alexander” delves into the story of Aristotle becoming the mentor of the rebellious and tempestuous teenage prince, Alexander the Great. Lyon’s novel, “The Golden Mean,” garnered international acclaim and received nominations for prestigious literary awards such as the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award. It also clinched the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Tierney stated, “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book ‘The Golden Mean’ years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since.” Lyon disclosed that Tierney first approached her about adapting the novel in 2014, five years following the book’s release.
For fans of “Heated Rivalry,” the connection might be evident. Tierney’s passion for Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” hockey romance series led him to bring the second novel, “Heated Rivalry,” to the small screen. The show premiered on Crave in November and has become the platform’s most successful original series to date, solidifying Tierney’s position as a prominent figure in TV production.
Netflix’s head of scripted for U.S. and Canadian series, Jinny Howe, praised 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 classic mentor-protégé power dynamics with a contemporary flair that blends grandeur with intimacy.
Joining the production team are Brendan Brady, a co-producer of “Heated Rivalry,” along with Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films as executive producers. Lyon will provide consulting expertise for the project and expressed confidence in Tierney’s ability to adapt her novel effectively.
Reflecting on the enduring themes of ambition, greed, war, and love in her book, Lyon emphasized the timeless relevance of the story, particularly in the context of the present day. She highlighted the significance of the adaptation coming nearly two decades after the novel’s initial publication, aiming for it to resonate with audiences across different eras.
By reviving Lyon’s acclaimed work through “Alexander,” Tierney continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talent for translating literary gems into compelling visual narratives.