The Gattaca show will be based on the dystopian 1997 movie. 

News has broken (via Giant Freaking Robot, then Variety) that the team behind Homeland are heading back to television.

Swapping espionage for a dystopian future, co-creators/executive producers Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa are planning a series based on the movie Gattaca.

Written and directed by Andrew Niccol, the 1997 movie starred Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. It takes place in a future where society is driven by eugenics; genetic selection ensures that children (the Valids) inherit the most desirable aspects from their parents. This process creates a social underclass (the Invalids), of whom the story’s protagonist is one.

With corporations screening their employees’ genetic makeup, Vincent Freeman (who was conceived naturally), has a congenital heart condition. He attempts to conceal it by assuming the identity of a former athlete to fulfil his dream of travelling in space.

Some reports suggest the series may take place later then the events of the movie, perhaps as a continuation rather than a remake. Either way, the world created and the issues raised in the movie are ripe for further exploration. More than 25 years since the original, you could argue that its themes are more relevant to society than ever.

Alex Gansa is the showrunner. He executive produces with Howard Gordon and Glenn Gellar. Plus, Danny DeVito who produced Andrew Niccol’s original movie.

We’ll keep you posted on Gattaca.