Monkey Boy adaptation in the works at Disney

20th Television has signed a first-look deal with Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance and their Bassett Vance Productions to develop and executive produce comedy, drama, limited series and TV movies. The first project under the multi-year pact is Monkey Boy, inspired by bestselling author Francisco Goldman's fiction novel, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and set up for development at Onyx Collective. The drama is created by Joshua Allen Griffith (Mrs. America), who will write the pilot script, overseen by Ben Smith. If Monkey Boy goes to series, the duo, who met on 20th TV's Hulu series Only Murders In The Building, where they co-wrote several episodes, will write it, with Smith serving as showrunner. Griffith and Smith also co-produce with Bassett Vance Productions.

Goldman's novel follows an investigative journalist who discovers a connection between a political assassination in Central America and an unsolved murder in his hometown, the Latino enclave of East Boston, forcing him to confront a history of childhood trauma where he has been fleeing from all her life.

“Angela and Courtney are deeply thoughtful storytellers, with incredible intellect and insight, and true ability to unearth distinct, relevant and unique material that reflects the human experience and the world in which we live,” said Karey Burke, president of 20th Television, a part of Disney TV Studios. “Their indelible work bringing characters to life on 20th Television series over the years has been remarkable, and we are thrilled to embark on this next creative chapter with them.”


Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance, 'Monkey Boy- A Novel' by Francisco Goldman

“Angela and I are always ready and willing to meet the moment when it comes to creating opportunities for storytellers to do what they do best and offer extraordinary, memorable characters and stories to the world. The new deal with 20th Television offers Bassett Vance Productions just that opportunity,” Vance said.

Added Bassett, “We look forward to continuing to expand our footprint as producers and visionaries. This opportunity with Karey, Eric [Schrier], and the team at 20th Television opens up a multitude of possibilities for us to both introduce new voices and to work with other creators we’ve long admired. Courtney and I are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”