After years spent behind the camera, Keanu Reeves ventured into television, signaling a bold shift in his creative journey. Streaming giant Hulu has announced that the iconic actor will headline an episodic drama adaptation titled The Devil in the White City, drawn from Erik Larson’s acclaimed international best seller with the same name. The project marks a collaboration that fuses Reeves’s magnetic screen presence with a story steeped in historical intrigue and dark ambition.
The series centers on two magnetic personalities colliding in late 19th century Chicago. On one side is Daniel Burnham, a visionary architect determined to leave a lasting imprint on American history as the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition looms on the horizon. His drive to orchestrate a city-shaping masterpiece meets the relentless, methodical planning of a killer who will become infamous for turning a grand, bustling fair into a stage for murder. The narrative threads Burnham’s architectural genius and the murderous schemes of a young man who earns a notorious place in the annals of crime, creating a stark portrait of ambition and its consequences.
Script duties for the series are entrusted to Sam Shaw, known for his work onCastle Rock and Masters of Sex, with Todd Field set to guide the first two episodes. Field’s background in directing and his keen eye for character-driven storytelling promise a measured, character-forward approach to a tale that blends historical events with psychological suspense. The production team is expected to maintain a meticulous emphasis on period detail, balancing opulent design with the darker undercurrents of the story.
Since 2010, the film rights to The Devil in the White City have been held by a leading figure in cinema, a collaboration that has kept interest in this adaptation simmering for years. The involvement of a major actor has long been anticipated, and the project has drawn attention for pairing a celebrated performer with a director renowned for crafting immersive, character-rich dramas. Executives have signaled that the project will explore not only the sensational elements of the murder spree but also the broader cultural and social context of Chicago during a pivotal era in American urban development.
The adaptation is planned as an eight-episode event series, with production aimed at delivering a complete, tightly woven arc that invites viewers to dive deep into the convergence of innovation, architecture, and crime. While the exact premiere timeline has evolved as development continues, the project is positioned to offer a cinematic television experience that resonates with audiences seeking sophisticated storytelling and a richly textured historical backdrop. Fans and newcomers alike can expect a bold narrative approach, a sensory immersion into the era, and performances that elevate the complex dynamics at play in this cautionary tale about ambition and moral compromise.
As discussions progress, industry observers remain attentive to how the series will balance historical fidelity with dramatic invention, ensuring that the captivating threads of Burnham’s ornate world and the chilling arc of the serial killer’s plan unfold with clarity and suspense. The project represents Hulu’s continued investment in prestige programming—driven by meticulous production values, compelling character work, and a willingness to tackle provocative material in a way that honors the source while delivering a fresh take for contemporary audiences.