AMC Networks Acquires Rights to ‘Bannerman’ Spy Book Series to Develop as Potential TV Series

Written by John Edward Betancourt

‘Bannerman’ Series Producer Greg Nicotero. Photo Courtesy of Michael Moriatis/AMC.

One would think that novels and television shows have minimal ties since their formats are so vastly different. But the fact of the matter is, they are symbiotic in nature. For the book world often provides the television world with a steady feed of stories, the kind that allow for popular and iconic novels to come to life on the small screen and that unique relationship between books and television is only getting stronger as this era of peak television continues. For networks need shows and authors and producers are happy to explore what novels, both new and iconic, will translate to T.V. Land, and it just so happens that AMC Networks made a move today to potentially bring an iconic book series to life on the small screen.
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For earlier today, AMC Networks announced that it has acquired the rights to John Maxim’s wildly popular and iconic Bannerman book series in the hopes of developing it into a television series and that some brilliant minds are in charge of making of that happen. Since prolific writer Shane Black and mega-producer/director and horror icon Greg Nicotero, and noted horror producer Brian Witten, are the brain trust putting this together and well, here are all the details on this wondrous announcement and some quotes from some the brain trust, regarding this important acquisition.

'AMC Networks today announced that it has acquired the rights to the popular Bannerman spy book series written by bestselling author John Maxim. The novels are being developed as a potential television series by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon, Ironman), Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead, Creepshow) and Brian Witten (Creepshow, Friday the 13th). Jeffrey Maxim is also attached as a consulting producer. Nicotero has an overall deal with AMC Networks.
 
The book series consists of five titles: the Bannerman Solution, The Bannerman Effect, Bannerman’s Law, Bannerman’s Promise and Bannerman’s Ghosts.
 
Black said: “Maxim is an untapped national treasure, and AMC provides a proper fit. It’s time.”
Nicotero said: “I read this entire series years ago and found the contrasting worlds of these dark and tortured souls desperate to live normal lives quite compelling. To partner with Shane on this, who shares the same passion that I do for the books, takes this project to a whole other level.”
Bannerman Solution synopsis: Paul Bannerman was once his nation’s deadliest weapon – a top covert operative heading up the most lethal group of contract agents and network specialists in all of Europe. Now Bannerman is a liability – an unpredictable loose cannon that could irreparably damage America’s shaky intelligence structure, if he chose to. So the decision has come down from the top: Bannerman and his people must be eliminated. Suddenly death is running in Westport, Connecticut – one in a nationwide network of secret “halfway towns” where the country’s most dangerous former agents have been “retired.” At war with powerful elements within his own government – a war not of his making – Bannerman has been lured here to this place of yard sales, mini-vans, commuter trains, and murder. The plan is for Bannerman and those he ran to die here, quietly. But Bannerman has other plans.
 
The Maxims are represented by attorney Robert Benun of BenunLaw.
 
About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically acclaimed content. Its brands include targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and the anime-focused HIDIVE streaming service, in addition to AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, IFC Films and RLJE Films. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind some of the biggest titles and brands known to a global audience, including The Walking Dead, the Anne Rice catalog and the Agatha Christie library.  The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.’

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