HBO Max explores Greek mythology with ‘Circe’

WarnerMedia’s upcoming streaming service HBO Max has ordered a Greek mythology drama based on Madeline Miller’s novel Circe.

The eight-part show, also to be known as Circe, is being written by Rise of the Planet of the Apes duo Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, with Chernin Entertainment producing alongside Endeavor Content.

It will be a contemporary exploration of Greek mythology and told from the feminist perspective of the goddess Circe as she transforms from a nymph into a formidable witch.

Sarah Aubrey, head of original content for HBO Max, said the show “tells an epic story of love, loss, tragedy and immortal conflict, all through the eyes of a fierce female lens.

“I’ve been a longtime fan of Rick and Amanda’s work and their ability to simultaneously build epic imaginative worlds while creating emotional dynamic characters. In partnership with Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping, we have the dream team to bring Circe to life.”

It joins HBO Max’s growing list of originals, which include an animated reboot of Gremlins, Tokyo Vice, Dune: The Sisterhood, and a spin-off to The CW’s teen drama Gossip Girl.

WarnerMedia unveiled the content team behind its soon-to-launch SVOD service HBO Max earlier this month, with Aubrey reporting into HBO Max chief content officer Kevin Reilly.