‘The Alliance’ Based On Matt Brolly Book In Works For Television At Universal International Studios, From ‘D.P.’ Creator Kim Bo-tong

Denise Petski
·2 min read

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Brolly’s thriller novel The Alliance is getting the small screen treatment. A mixed Korean/English language television adaptation is in development at Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, with Kim Bo-tong (D.P., Badland Hunters), attached to write.

Based on Brolly’s book published in April by Thomas & Mercer, The Alliance is a spellbinding global thriller set off by four simultaneous murders in different cities that are broadcasted on the web, puzzling authorities and sending shockwaves across the world, per the official logine. The key might be in the blindfolded witness that each crime left behind. Inexplicably, these witnesses are returned to their respective lives, unharmed, but with a dark mission they can’t refuse. Through them, the Alliance sets off a dangerous and provocative game that will ensnare an audience around the world. All hope rests on Shannon, who will lead the most powerful task forces from these cities as they scramble to work together and stop the Alliance before it’s too late.

More from Deadline

Bo-tong is the creator and co-writer of the webtoon D.P. which was adapted into the Netflix military drama. The show earned multiple awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards, establishing it as one of the top Korean dramas of 2022. Bo-tong’s other writing credits include the six-part anthology film King of the Desert, The Cheerful Outcast, as well as the feature film Wilderness, which stars Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee). He also served as showrunner on a trilogy series commissioned by Korean media powerhouse CJ ENM, and he is also the creator of the drama series Ray, the sequel to the globally renowned Devil’s Justice, which stars Lee Jung-jae. He is repped by CAA.

Brolly is the bestselling author of the DCI Lambert crime novels Dead Water, Dead Eyed, Dead Lucky, Dead Embers and Dead Time; the acclaimed near-future crime novel Zero; and the US-based thrillers The Controller, The Railroad, and The Running Girls. The DI Blackwell series, starting with The Crossing in 2020 now comprises six books, with the seventh set to be published in September 2024. Following his law degree, where he developed an interest in criminal law, Brolly completed his Master’s in creative writing at Glasgow University.  Brolly was repped for the deal by Independent Artist Group and Trident Media Group.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next