Scarpetta Officially Ordered at Amazon: Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis to Lead Adaptation of Patricia Cornwell Novels
Prime Video has officially ordered two seasons of Scarpetta, more than 18 months after Nicole Kidman‘s name was first attached to the series adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta novels.
Kidman will indeed star in the mystery-thriller as medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, who returns to Virginia, and her former job, amid complex personal and professional relationships — including the one with her sister, Dorothy, to be played by recent Emmy winner Jamie Lee Curtis.
Additional cast members include Oscar winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) as Dorothy’s daughter, Lucy Farinelli-Watson; Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire) as former detective Pete Marino; Simon Baker (The Mentalist) as FBI profiler Benton Wesley; Rosy McEwen (The Alienist) as Past Kay Scarpetta; and, fittingly, Jake Cannavale — Bobby’s real-life son — as Past Pete Marino.
Both Kidman and Curtis (whose Comet Pictures back in 2021 secured rights to the Kay Scarpetta novels) will also be EPs on the series, while Liz Sarnoff (Barry) will serve as writer/showrunner.
“I’m beyond excited that this is finally happening. This will be great fun for all, and I’m grateful for the immense talent that the show is drawing,” Cornwell said in a statement. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Jamie Lee Curtis and Nicole Kidman. Their wanting to do this is humbling and simply awesome. Working with the brilliant Liz Sarnoff is amazing. Blumhouse and Prime Video are a dream. This has been worth waiting for, and I’m so looking forward to the show.”
Cornwell’s tagliatella bolognese-loving Scarpetta character was first introduced in 1990’s Postmortem, and has appeared in more than 20 novels since then — most recently, Unnatural Death: A Scarpetta Novel (which hit shelves in November 2023).
As recently as 2009, Angelina Jolie was circling a big-screen franchise revolving around the Scarpetta character, while Demi Moore was briefly attached to the role back in the early 1990s. Word of Prime Video’s potential series adaptation was first reported in February 2023.
I always picture Kristen Stewart as Lucy.
Demi Lovato is perfect for the role of Lucy, who is attractive and of Italian and Latin heritage. Demi’s looks are perfect for this role. Unless, of course, the movie is set when Lucy was a teen ;)
“I sure hope Nicole Kidman isn’t too busy for our streaming series.” “Right, then we would have to get another actress.” “Wait, there are other actresses?”
What’s going on with that Reese Witherspoon cheerleading comedy at Prime? Didn’t it also get a 2-season order or did the fallout from the strikes squash it?
What’s going on with that Reese Witherspoon cheerleading comedy at Prime? Didn’t it also get a 2-season order or did the fallout from the strikes squash it?
Can’t wait so when is it expected?
Simon returns to tv, I love it.
Love the books and am fine with MK as Kate. I am so NOT a fan of JLC. Couldn’t stand her on NCIS.
Nicole Kidman can pull off just about any role, but I’ve always pictured Rachel Weisz as Scarpetta.
More power to them. I was a big fan of the Scarpetta novels but they completely went off the rails.
Read all the books, love all the characters, can’t wait for the series!
It’s amazing how long some projects take to make it to screen.
The actresses are talented and Curtis is on a career high, but sisters?
I like mysteries but have never read Cornwall’s books. I’m just happy to have another mystery series to watch. It sounds like Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis were always going to play those parts since they bought the rights.
Oh give them a try. I loved them although some of the very early methods might be a bit outdated but not the characters.
Try The Marlow Murder Club premiering on PBS Oct. 27. Great book series.
Does Nicole ever say no to any TV offers? It’s ridiculous how many different shows she’s done in so little time.
Am I the only one who thought Benton was Black?
Well Amazon did a good Job on Bosch – Titus Welliver and on Reacher – Alan Ritchson. But come on Nicole Kidman is not Scarpetta. Great Actress in the right thing, But not Scarpetta please. it’s like the Reacher films I mean Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher was indeed a reach!! I love these books have read an own them all. I have been dying for someone to make the into a Series, There are better choices, Drea de Matteo, Maria Bello, Sofia Coppola, Alicia Silverstone and many more who would be a better fit for this role
I am very excited that they are finally bringing Patricia Cornwalls novels to TV……..can’t wait!
Absolutely fantastic fabulous wonderful news!!! Couldn’t have it fast enough! Patricia Cornwall has been my favorite author for more than 10 years. She is by far the most professional, prolific, educated, dedicated, and thorough murder mystery writer EVER! I was addicted after i read her 1st book. I am OVER-THE-TOP THRILLED to learn Nicole Kidman will be Scarpetta… Can’t wait, can’t wait. CAN’T WAIT!
No, no, no, no, no, no.
No.
Casting her is as bad as casting Tom Cruise as Lestat.
No.