Fresh from the triumph of his TV rendition of “Heated Rivalry,” Jacob Tierney is embarking on a new venture inspired by Canadian literary excellence. Netflix has revealed that Tierney will helm, script, and serve as an executive producer for “Alexander,” a series adapted from Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed 2009 novel “The Golden Mean.”
Set in fourth-century BC Greece, “Alexander” delves into the dynamic relationship between Aristotle, who becomes the tutor to the headstrong and tempestuous young prince, Alexander the Great. Lyon’s novel, “The Golden Mean,” achieved global success and garnered nominations for prestigious Canadian literary accolades such as the Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Literary Award, ultimately clinching the Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.
Expressing his deep admiration for Lyon’s work, Tierney shared that he had been captivated by “The Golden Mean” for years and had harbored aspirations of bringing this narrative to life. Lyon recounted how Tierney had initially approached her about adapting the novel back in 2014, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the project over the years.
Fans of “Heated Rivalry” may find the trajectory of “Alexander” familiar. Tierney’s affection for Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” hockey romance series led him to adapt the second installment, “Heated Rivalry,” into a successful TV show. Premiering on Crave in November, “Heated Rivalry” emerged as the platform’s most successful original series to date, elevating Tierney’s profile in the realm of television production.
Acknowledging Tierney’s creative prowess, Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of scripted content for U.S. and Canadian series, expressed excitement about collaborating on “Alexander.” The series promises a contemporary reinterpretation of the age-old mentor-protege power struggle, infused with a raw, modern energy that seamlessly blends grandeur with intimacy.
Joining the production team are Brendan Brady, a co-producer of “Heated Rivalry,” along with Michael Costigan and Jason Bateman of Aggregate Films. Lyon, assuming a consulting role in the project, voiced confidence in Tierney’s ability to do justice to her novel, drawing parallels between the characters in “Heated Rivalry” and the essence of Alexander the Great as portrayed in her book.
Reflecting on the enduring themes of ambition, love, and conflict that permeate her narrative, Lyon emphasized the timeliness of adapting the book 17 years after its initial publication. She aspires for the adaptation to resonate with audiences by bridging the gap between ancient history and contemporary realities, encapsulating the timeless essence of human nature across different eras.
