Julius Onah’s new drama “The American Throne” has been given a series development order by Universal Content Productions, a division of Universal Studio Group. The show will be written and directed by the Nigerian American filmmaker, who is known best for producing the film “Luce.”
Per the logline, “The American Throne” takes place in a boldly reimagined contemporary America where the nation was founded as a monarchy. It centers on an entirely white royal family that is plunged into a scorched-earth succession battle when it’s revealed that the late king has hidden a mind-blowing secret: a Black son who is the true heir to the throne.
Others attached to the project include British American filmmaker Peter Glanz (“The Longest Week”), who is writing. He is repped by ICM, Mosaic and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman. He’s also repped by Merman for commercials. Sam Esmail and Chad Hamilton of Esmail Corp, under their overall deal with UCP, will executive produce. Sarah Matte will co-executive produce via Esmail Corp. The production banner is behind “Mr. Robot,” “Homecoming” and USA Network’s “Briarpatch,” as well as the upcoming Watergate series “Gaslit” for Starz, and “Angelyne” and “The Resort” for Peacock.
Onah’s feature thriller, “Luce,” starring Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Tim Roth, was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards including Best Director. “The American Throne” is his first television project under his Altona Filmhaus label. Onah is repped by CAA, LBI Entertainment and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.