Biological War TV adaptation lands at Universal Global Television
Universal Global Television and Patrick Macmanus’ Littleton Road won rights to Annie Jacobsen’s new book, with buyers next on deck.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
A Biological War TV adaptation is now in motion at Universal Global Television and Patrick Macmanus’ Littleton Road Productions, Variety reported, after the companies won the rights to Annie Jacobsen’s new book in a bidding contest.
The project is based on Biological War: A Scenario, which was released July 28. According to Variety, the adaptation is expected to be brought to potential buyers in the coming weeks.
Macmanus, the creator behind Peacock’s Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, will work with Jacobsen on the series. Variety reported that Macmanus and Jacobsen are set as co-creators and executive producers, with Kelly Funke also executive producing.
What is the Biological War TV adaptation about?
Macmanus told Variety that Jacobsen’s book starts with an ordinary day and reaches the end of the world six days later. He described the planned series as an apocalypse story that also follows people trying to protect one another, rebuild, and hold on to community and family.
In comments to Variety, Macmanus said he read the book in a single day and pushed Universal Global Television to let him adapt it. He also said he was honored that Jacobsen trusted him with the project and that he was eager to help bring it to the screen.
The acquisition keeps Macmanus busy inside Universal Global Television. Variety reported that his Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy debuted last year for Peacock, and that he is now working on a second installment centered on Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker.” Both projects fall under his overall production deal with UGT.
Macmanus also has another literary adaptation in development at the studio: John Grisham’s The Boys From Biloxi, according to Variety.
Jacobsen brings a track record of high-stakes nonfiction and bestseller heat to the project. Variety identified her as a Pulitzer Prize finalist, journalist and bestselling author.
Her previous book, Nuclear War: A Scenario, became an international bestseller after its 2024 release. Variety reported that Legendary Entertainment is adapting that book, with Denis Villeneuve attached to direct.
Representation details were also reported by Variety: Macmanus is represented by CAA and Game Plan Media, while Jacobsen is represented by CAA, Circle M+P, and Myman Greenspan Fineman Fox Rosenberg & Light.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.