In 1969, an unknown author published a novel about an alien virus that was threatening to wipe out humanity.

That novel was The Andromeda Strain, the author Michael Crichton. Of course now there are few that do not know Mr. Crichton’s name. Over a dozen of his novels have been made into movies, with various degrees of success.

The Brothers Scott (Tony and Ridley) have announced they will be executive producing a mini-series, based on The Andromeda Strain, for the A&E cable network.

No director or casting choices have been announced as of yet, but production is expected to start this summer.

This will not be Ridley and Tony’s first foray into television, the two brothers are also exec producers for the CBS show Numb3rs.

Tony and Ridley are both extremely successful directors in their own right. Ridley’s work includes Alien, Gladiator and Blade Runner, while Tony has done Top Gun, Enemy of the State and Crimson Tide.

This will not be the first time The Andromeda Strain has been adapted, it was made into a relatively successful film in 1971.