Fresh from the triumph of his television rendition of “Heated Rivalry,” Jacob Tierney is embarking on a new venture inspired by a Canadian literary gem. Netflix revealed on Thursday that Tierney will be the writer, director, and executive producer of “Alexander,” a series adapted from Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed 2009 novel, “The Golden Mean.”
Set in fourth-century BC Greece, “Alexander” delves into the dynamics that unfold when Aristotle takes on the role of tutor to the rebellious and tempestuous teenage prince, Alexander the Great. Lyon’s “The Golden Mean” achieved international success and garnered recognition in the Canadian literary realm, receiving nominations for prestigious awards such as the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award for fiction, and clinching the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Expressing his admiration for Lyon’s work, 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 shared that Tierney initially approached her about adapting the novel in 2014, five years after its publication, and emphasized his unwavering commitment to the project, which she deeply appreciates.
Fans of “Heated Rivalry” may find a familiar thread in this narrative. Tierney’s passion for Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” hockey romance series led him to adapt the second novel, “Heated Rivalry,” into a successful television series under the same name, which premiered on Crave in November and stands as its most prosperous original series to date.
Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of scripted for U.S. and Canadian series, praised Tierney as a prominent creative force in the industry and expressed excitement about collaborating with him on “Alexander.” The series is envisioned to offer a contemporary twist on the classic mentor-protégé power struggle, blending an epic scale with intimate intensity.
Brendan Brady, a co-producer of “Heated Rivalry,” will join Tierney as an executive producer on “Alexander,” alongside Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films. Lyon, taking on a consulting role in the project, lauds Tierney as the ideal candidate to adapt her novel, citing his ability to capture the essence of complex characters, particularly drawing parallels between the characters in “Heated Rivalry” and Alexander the Great.
Reflecting on the significance of her book being adapted nearly two decades after its initial release, Lyon remarked on the timeless themes of ambition, greed, war, and love that resonate across different eras. She hopes that the adaptation will bridge the gap between the historical past and the present moment, offering a narrative that speaks to universal human experiences.
