The CW Developing The Illusionist As a TV Adaptation

The CW is conjuring up a TV adaptation of The Illusionist, the 2006 film starring Ed Norton, Paul Giamatti and Jessica Biel.

Mark Hudis, who recently executive produced HBO's True Blood, is on board to write the show, with Ben Silverman and Bob Yari as executive producers. CBS Television Studios, Electus and Yari Film Group are behind the period drama.

The Illusionist was based on the short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," by Steven Millhauser. Neil Burger wrote and directed the movie, set 100 years ago in Vienna and centered on a magician who uses his skills to woo a woman above his social standing.

Silverman is also an executive producer on The CW's freshman drama Jane the Virgin, which opened Monday to rave reviews and decent ratings. Hudis' other credits include Nurse Jackie and That 70s Show.

The Illusionist is the latest in a bumper crop of movie adaptations this TV development cycle. Others in the works include Minority Report (Fox), Problem Child (NBC), Uncle Buck (ABC), Rush Hour (CBS), Big (Fox), Monster-in-Law (Fox) and Real Genius (NBC).

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