Damon Lindelof Adapts Kidnap Thriller ‘The Chain’ into HBO Series

Damon Lindelof is returning to the role of showrunner for an upcoming HBO series titled The Chain. This kidnap thriller is based on Adrian McKinty’s acclaimed 2019 novel and has been given a straight-to-series order by the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned network.

The Chain: A Gripping Thriller

The Chain is an eight-part limited series, marking Lindelof’s first major project as showrunner since HBO’s Watchmen in 2019. Last year, he entered a two-year exclusive deal with HBO, where he has contributed as an executive producer on various projects, including Peacock’s Mrs. Davis and the upcoming superhero series Lanterns.

Synopsis of The Chain

The narrative centers on Rachel Klein, a mother whose ordinary day turns chaotic after she receives a terrifying phone call. This call reveals that her daughter, Kylie, has been kidnapped. To secure her release, Rachel must follow dire instructions: pay a ransom and abduct another child. The harrowing twist is that the caller, also a distressed mother, threatens dire consequences if Rachel fails to comply. She finds herself ensnared in a perilous cycle known as The Chain.

An Interesting Journey from Page to Screen

• Adrian McKinty faced challenges in his writing career, even working as a bartender and Uber driver before writing The Chain.
• Author Don Winslow played a pivotal role by introducing McKinty’s work to agent Shane Salerno, who encouraged the creation of The Chain.
• In 2020, Universal Pictures initially optioned the book for a film adaptation directed by Edgar Wright, which ultimately did not materialize.
• In 2024, Media Res acquired the project, transitioning it into a television series format.

The Creative Team Behind The Chain

Damon Lindelof, Carly Wray, and Breannah Gibson are responsible for crafting the pilot story. Lindelof and Wray also collaborate on the pilot script. Alongside Lindelof, the executive production team includes Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer for Media Res, with Shane Salerno. Adrian McKinty serves as a co-executive producer.

Industry Praise and Anticipation

Lindelof expressed his enthusiasm for adapting such a unique thriller, noting its dark and exhilarating themes that ignite his creativity. Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO Programming, highlighted their ongoing partnership with Lindelof, emphasizing the emotional depth and transformative nature The Chain promises to deliver. This project aims to reinforce Lindelof’s reputation as a distinctive force in contemporary storytelling.