Showdog Studio has optioned “Wunderland,” a new sci-fi thriller series based on an original screenplay by Christopher DeWan, who is attached as the writer for the pilot.
Emmy-winning producer James Thorpe will serve as showrunner for “Wunderland,” and will executive produce alongside Showdog Studio founder and veteran producer John Attard. Producers include Robert Harris, Suzanne Lyons for Snowfall Films and Robert Deege.
The series follows teenage hacker Cora Carter, who escapes her real-life troubles by thriving in “Wunderland,” a virtual reality game introduced by her high school. “When she discovers real-life secrets hidden in the game’s upper levels, powerful people target her in both worlds. The thrilling, serialized teen mystery is set in a small town, following Cora as she uncovers a trail of clues that leads her closer to the truth behind her mother’s mysterious disappearance,” the official synopsis reads.
“I love everything about Christopher’s story and the worlds he explores in ‘Wunderland,’” Attard said in a statement. “As we enter a new year, we are faced with the fact that our lives are constantly being challenged and transformed by technology. At the heart of every story about technology, however, is its impact on humanity. We are thrilled to be bringing James in as showrunner, and can’t wait to see the blurred lines between real and virtual in ‘Wunderland’ come to life.”
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Thorpe is currently an executive producer on The CW’s “Wild Cards” and has production credits on a variety of series, including “October Faction,” “The 100,” “Outer Limits,” “Highlander,” “Lost Girl,” “Private Eyes” and “Sanctuary.” He has also been showrunner of “Private Eyes” and “Motive.”
Previously announced projects from Showdog Studio include the scripted drama series “American Ronin (fka Plan B)” and “Sweet Toxins,” nonfiction series “Spec Ops Boss” and anthology series “Revive: Portraits of Redemption.” Films include the animated feature “Baby on Board,” live-action biopic “Tesla: The Lost Wizard” and feature “The 442.”