Portman, Nyong’o join Apple adaptation

US streamer Apple TV+ has ordered a limited series based on Laura Lippman’s novel Lady in the Lake, which will star Natalie Portman and Lupita Nyong’o.

Natalie Portman (photo: Gage Skidmore via CC)

Co-written by Alma Har’el and Dre Ryan, the TV adaptation of Lady in the Lake takes place in 1960s Baltimore, where an unsolved murder pushes a housewife and mother (Portman) to reinvent her life as an investigative journalist.

Her investigations set her on a collision course with a hardworking woman (Nyong’o) who is juggling motherhood, many jobs and a passionate commitment to advancing Baltimore’s black progressive agenda.

The series marks Portman and Har’el’s first foray into television. They will both exec produce alongside Nyong’o, Ryan and Lippman, with Har’el also directing.

Crazyrose and Bad Wolf America are the production companies behind the series. Exec producing for Crazyrose are principals Jean-Marc Vallée and Nathan Ross, while founder Julie Gardner exec produces for Bad Wolf.

Lupita Nyong’o (photo: Gage Skidmore via CC)

Also exec producing are Har’el’s producing partner Christopher Leggett, through the former’s new prodco Zusa, and Portman’s producing partner Sophie Mas.

In related news, Apple TV+ has renewed animated musical comedy series Central Park for a third season, ahead of the S2 premiere this June.

From creators, writers and executive producers Loren Bouchard, Josh Gad and Nora Smith, Central Park follows a family who live in and care for the famous New York park. Produced by 20th Television, the first season debuted on Apple TV+ last year.