Deadline is reporting that HBO, working with Paramount Television, is looking to bring the land of Shutter Island to cable. The series would be callsed ASHECLIFFE, the name of the mental asylum of the book, and would take place prior to the movie. It would look at the history of the hospital, the evolution of treatment and it’s dark secrets.
Martin Scorsese would direct the pilot, with Dennis Lehane handling writing duties. Scorsese directed the film of SHUTTER ISLAND, but Lehane was not involved on the creative side of that. The pair would also act as executive producers, should it go to series. Both have existing relationships with HBO, Scorsese has an upcoming pilot set in the 1970s world of rock n roll, while Lehane has worked on BOARDWALK EMPIRE and THE WIRE.