The limited series is based on an original story idea by Harlan Coben and BAFTA-winner Danny Brocklehurst
Peaky Blinders fans will be interested to see what the star does next (Image: BBC)
Prime Video is delivering what looks set to be a ‘mind bending’ psychological thriller from the masterful pen of bestselling crime writer Harlan Coben.
The acclaimed author, whose novels have previously been transformed into Netflix hits Fool Me Once and Stay Close, has returned with a fresh limited series that was reportedly shootingin Manchester last year.
The programme, currently titled Lazarus, boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Sam Claflin, known for his portrayal of Oswald Mosley in Peaky Blinders and Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games.
Esteemed British performer Bill Nighy and Killing Eve’s Alexandra Roach are also confirmed to appear in the series, which stems from an original concept by Coben and BAFTA-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst.
According to Prime Video’s official synopsis: “Lazarus follows a man who returns home after his father’s suicide and begins to have disturbing experiences that can’t be explained.”
“He quickly becomes entangled in a series of cold-case murders as he grapples with the mystery of his father’s death and his sister’s murder 25 years ago.”
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Claflin, who will additionally take on executive producer duties, portrays the lead character Laz, described as “a well-respected forensic psychologist who has spent his whole life running from the pain of his past.”
The character breakdown adds: “It is only now when he returns home that he is forced to finally face up to it.”
Nighy takes on the role of Laz’s father, a psychologist named Doctor Lazarus, who is characterised as “a beloved figure within his community, he shares his son’s charm, dry humor, and charisma.
“In death, he wants his son to understand that they are more similar than Laz thinks.”
Roach portrays Laz’s sister Jenna, who has “buried herself in a world of spiritual practice” after their sister’s murder.
“Now, when her brother returns home and starts experiencing unexplained phenomena, she is forced to confront secrets from her own past,” the description adds.
The thriller will be created by Quay Street Productions and Amazon MGM Studios in partnership with Final Twist Productions, streaming exclusively on Prime Video, reports the Express.
Discussing the new project with Radio Times, Coben revealed: “I thought, ‘I could write this as a novel, but I’m seeing it as a TV series.’ It’s a little more of a ghost story, very visual.”
The series has also been branded as a “propulsive mystery thriller” featuring a “mind-bending” storyline.
The programme also seems to be set in the UK, as Caflin was previously seen filming scenes for it in Manchester city centre.
The star made a huge impact in Peaky Blinders(Image: BBC)
Rola Bauer, head of Pan-English scripted SVOD TV at Amazon MGM Studios, commented: “We were instantly drawn to Lazarus, from the brilliant minds of Harlan and Danny, fitting perfectly into our Pan-English strategy. I am confident that our global Prime Video customers will embrace it too.
“Combining Director Wayne Yip’s vision with Sam, Bill, and Alexandra’s amazing talent, along with Nicola, Richard, and Quay Street as our award-winning production team, is a dream scenario.”
Heather Curtis, the current series executive for Pan-English scripted SVOD TV at Amazon MGM Studios, commented: “Lazarus is a gripping series that captures your attention from the very beginning.
“We’re thrilled to unite with Harlan, Danny, Quay Street, and the all-star cast of Sam Claflin, Bill Nighy, and Alexandra Roach to tell this compelling story for our global Prime Video customers.”
Richard Fee and Nicola Shindler, executive producers for Quay Street Productions, added: “Harlan and Danny have created another wonderfully compelling story but this time with an eerie twist,”.
“Lazarus has all the ingredients of a propulsive mystery thriller with an extra dose of atmosphere and psychological horror that makes it particularly gripping.”
Whilst no official release date has been confirmed, Lazarus is anticipated to debut on Prime Video this Autumn.