Fresh from the triumph of his successful Crave television version of “Heated Rivalry,” filmmaker Jacob Tierney is embarking on a new venture based on esteemed Canadian literature. Netflix has revealed that Tierney will take on the roles of writer, director, and executive producer for “Alexander,” a series adapted from Vancouver writer Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed 2009 novel, “The Golden Mean.”
Set in fourth-century BC Greece, “Alexander” explores the dynamics that unfold when Aristotle becomes the tutor of the rebellious and tempestuous young prince, Alexander the Great. Lyon’s “The Golden Mean” achieved international acclaim and received nominations for prestigious Canadian literary honors such as the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award for fiction, ultimately winning the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Expressing his long-standing admiration for Lyon’s work, Tierney shared his excitement about bringing this narrative to life. His connection with the book dates back to 2014, when he first approached Lyon about adapting it, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the project over the years. Lyon expressed her gratitude for Tierney’s dedication, emphasizing the significance of having her novel transformed into a series.
Fans of “Heated Rivalry” may find this storyline somewhat familiar. Tierney’s passion for Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” hockey romance series led him to adapt the second novel, “Heated Rivalry,” into a successful television show. Premiering on Crave in November, “Heated Rivalry” emerged as the platform’s most popular original series, solidifying Tierney’s status as a prominent figure in television production.
Netflix’s head of scripted for U.S. and Canadian series, Jinny Howe, lauded Tierney’s creative prowess, describing “Alexander” as a fresh interpretation of the timeless mentor-protege power struggle infused with a contemporary vibrancy. The series will also feature Brendan Brady, a co-producer of “Heated Rivalry,” as an executive producer, alongside Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films.
Lyon, who will contribute in a consulting capacity to the project, expressed confidence in Tierney’s ability to capture the essence of her novel, citing his previous work as a testament to his suitability for the adaptation. Reflecting on the thematic relevance of “Alexander” in today’s context, Lyon underscored the enduring nature of human experiences like ambition, love, and conflict, hoping that the adaptation would resonate with audiences across different time periods.