Hulu is developing a television adaptation of Thornbird, the new novel from bestselling author Elle Kennedy, with Marlene King attached to write and executive produce. The series is being developed by 20th Television, with Kennedy also executive producing alongside King and Lauren Wagner.
Described as a coming-of-age thriller, Thornbird follows a teenage girl caught at the center of her family’s dark true-crime legacy.
The story centers on 17-year-old Ryan Shipley, who returns to her childhood hometown of Starling, Tennessee, a decade after her father, notorious serial killer Gabriel Thorn, was captured. Determined to keep her identity and troubled past hidden, Ryan hopes to finally experience a normal teenage life — including the possibility of falling in love.
But as the secrets surrounding her family begin to surface, Ryan finds herself racing to uncover the truth behind the crimes of her past before it is too late.
Thornbird marks the first novel Kennedy has published under the pseudonym E. Kennedy. The book was released June 30 and debuted on The New York Times bestseller list.
Kennedy is best known for her Off Campus book series, which has been adapted into a television series for Prime Video. The show premiered its first season in May and attracted 36 million viewers worldwide during its first 12 days, making it Prime Video’s third most-watched debut series of all time. Production is currently underway on Season 2.
Kennedy has another television adaptation in development as well. Her novel Girl Abroad is being developed for Amazon by A24 Television and Kit Steinkellner, creator of Sorry for Your Loss.
Kennedy is represented by Independent Artist Group, Circle Management and Production, Park, Fine, & Brower Literary Management, and Toczek Suddleson Law Group LLP.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @neill.frazer
- @neill.outloud
