Fresh from the triumph of his TV version of “Heated Rivalry,” Jacob Tierney is embarking on a new venture based on esteemed Canadian literature. Tierney is set to lead the writing, directing, and executive production of “Alexander,” a fresh series inspired by author Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed 2009 novel, “The Golden Mean,” as announced by Netflix recently.
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 fiery young prince, Alexander the Great. Lyon’s “The Golden Mean” achieved international success and garnered attention on the Canadian literary awards scene, receiving nominations for prestigious accolades like the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award for fiction, while clinching the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Tierney mentioned, “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book ‘The Golden Mean’ years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since.” Tierney’s commitment to adapting Lyon’s novel began in 2014, five years after its initial release, a fact Lyon confirmed in an email to CBC Books, adding, “He’s never given up on the project. I can’t tell you how much that means to me, and how grateful I am.”
For enthusiasts of “Heated Rivalry,” Tierney’s latest project may strike a chord. His passion for Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” hockey romance series prompted him to adapt the second installment, “Heated Rivalry,” into a successful television series. Premiering on Crave in November, “Heated Rivalry” has emerged as the platform’s most triumphant original series, elevating Tierney’s status in the realm of TV production.
Netflix’s Head of Scripted for U.S. and Canadian series, Jinny Howe, remarked, “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 a contemporary reimagining of the classic mentor-protege power struggle, infused with a raw, modern energy that blends epic grandeur with intimate depth.
Joining Tierney as executive producers on “Alexander” are Brendan Brady, co-producer of “Heated Rivalry,” along with Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films. Lyon, contributing in a consulting capacity to the project, expressed her confidence in Tierney’s ability to adapt her novel, particularly noting the resonance she found in his portrayal of complex male characters in “Heated Rivalry.”
Reflecting on the significance of the adaptation coming 17 years after the book’s original publication, Lyon emphasized the enduring relevance of themes like ambition, greed, war, and love across time periods. She hopes that the adaptation will resonate with audiences by capturing the essence of both historical eras and the contemporary moment.