In an exciting new project, Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Cord Jefferson has joined forces with acclaimed writer John Wells to bring forth an upcoming limited series starring Scarlett Johansson. This marks Johansson's first major television role, showcasing her diverse range as an actress.
The series, an adaptation of John Katzenbach's novel 'Just Cause,' will be released on Amazon Prime Video. First published in 1992, the story follows Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter who receives a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. Johansson will play Madison 'Madi' Cowart, a female iteration of the character, as she embarks on a gripping investigation that not only casts doubt on the inmate's guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors along the way.
Surprisingly, this is not the first time 'Just Cause' has been brought to the screen. In 1995, the novel was adapted into a film featuring an all-star cast including Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, and Laurence Fishburne, with Johansson even making an appearance as Connery's character's daughter. Now, decades later, the story is being given new life for the small screen.
Cord Jefferson, best known for his directorial debut film 'American Fiction,' has been making waves in the industry. 'American Fiction,' adapted from Percival Everett's book 'Erasure,' received five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Jefferson himself was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, making him one of the only two Black writer-directors, alongside Jordan Peele, to receive such recognition for their debut films. With an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television Group, Jefferson has demonstrated his talent on shows like 'Watchmen,' 'Succession,' and 'The Good Place.'
Joining forces with Jefferson is the renowned writer and showrunner John Wells, known for his exceptional work on 'ER' and 'The West Wing.' With an impressive 25 Primetime Emmy nominations, including six wins for drama series, Wells brings his wealth of experience to this project. Notably, he has also received acclaim for the outstanding special class program 'The West Wing Documentary Special.'
Scarlett Johansson, the accomplished actress known for her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is taking on yet another challenging role. With two Oscar nominations under her belt for her performances in 'Marriage Story' and 'Jojo Rabbit,' she joins the elite ranks of actors who have earned double nominations in the same year. In 2010, Johansson even won a Tony Award for her work in 'A View from the Bridge.'
Leading the project is Johansson's production company, 'These Pictures,' alongside Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn. Erin Jontow from John Wells Productions also joins them as an executive producer. This collaboration promises to bring together a powerhouse team dedicated to delivering a captivating and compelling adaptation of 'Just Cause.'
Represented by 3 Arts Entertainment and CAA, Cord Jefferson's involvement in the series adds depth and creativity to the storytelling. Meanwhile, John Wells and Scarlett Johansson continue to be represented by CAA, with Johansson also represented by Yorn Levine.
As we eagerly await the release of this intriguing limited series, it's clear that the combined talents of Cord Jefferson, John Wells, and Scarlett Johansson will bring audiences an unforgettable television experience. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project, as 'Just Cause' takes the small screen by storm.
