MR. ROBOT Creator Sam Esmail is Developing a Series Adaptation of The Mystery Novel THE FAMILY CHAO

Sam Esmail, the creator of the hit series Mr. Robot is now attached to develop a series adaptation of Lan Samantha Chang’s novel The Family Chao after optioning the rights to the book.

In the story, “the residents of Haven, Wisconsin, have dined on the Fine Chao restaurant’s delicious Chinese food for thirty-five years, content to ignore any unsavory whispers about the family owners. Whether or not Big Leo Chao is honest, or his wife, Winnie, is happy, their food tastes good and their three sons earned scholarships to respectable colleges. A mysterious death in the restaurant reunites the Chao brothers in Haven and the family’s secrets and simmering resentments erupt at last.”

That sounds like it will make for an interesting mystery series. Chang said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to be working with UCP and Esmail Corp. I know Sam and his team will bring the Chao family and the mystery surrounding their small-town Chinese restaurant to life on the screen.”

Esmail added: “A modern retelling of The Brothers Karamazov, The Family Chao centers a complex family drama against the backdrop of a murder mystery. Expertly drawn characters drive this gripping narrative, exploring themes of race, family, betrayal, and the immigrant experience in America – all without being didactic. Lan Samantha Chang’s character-driven story lends itself perfectly to the medium of television, and we’re thrilled to help bring her vision to the screen.”

Esmail will executive produce alongside Chad Hamilton and Chang with Eli Kirschner as co-executive producer. The team is currently searching for a writer to adapt.

Esmail has got a few high-profile projects in development, which also include an adaptation of Fritz Lang’s classic 1927 film Metropolis, as well as Angelyne, Battlestar Galactica, Gaslit and The Resort.