Netflix is in the works on an adaptation of former Vanity Fair journalist William Langewiesche’s acclaimed non-fiction book “The Atomic Bazaar,” which centers on the world of nuclear trafficking.
Published in 2007, “The Atomic Bazaar: Dispatches from the Underground World of Nuclear Trafficking” looks at the global trade in nuclear weapons production and state-sponsored nuclear activities. Langewiesche — who was Vanity Fair’s international correspondent and is now an editor-at-large with New York Times Magazine — spoke to the technicians, smugglers, spies and scientists involved in the illicit nuclear weapons business.
The scripted project, which is in development as a series at the streaming giant, marks the latest premium TV project from “Gangs of London” producers Pulse Films. The project is set up with “71” writer Gregory Burke attached to pen the script. He will executive produce alongside director Edward Berger, who is also helming the Netflix adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front” out of Germany.
For Pulse Films, executive producers include Thomas Benski and Moss Barclay. Sam Hoyle is executive producing for Netflix.
Variety first reported on Pulse’s plans for “Atomic Bazaar” in 2017. At the time, the Vice Media Group-backed outfit said the series would span the compounds of wealthy drug lords to secret CIA and MI6 bases, and feature the spooks, mercenaries, smugglers and other criminals involved.
Since the project was first announced, Sky and HBO’s nuclear drama “Chernobyl” has premiered to widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, revealing global interest in nuclear disasters and the underpinning industry and politics. Japanese public broadcaster NHK is also preparing a nuclear drama titled “Gift of Fire,” which is shot in 8K.