Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis in a crime thriller? That’s exactly what’s in store with Prime Video’s highly-anticipated new series Scarpetta – and we’ve now been given a first-look trailer along with a confirmed release date.
Based on the bestselling Kay Scarpetta book series from author Patricia Cornwell, the drama will bring the famous literary character to our screens, with Kidman in the leading role. The streamer describes: “With skilled hands and an unnerving eye, this unrelenting medical examiner is determined to serve as the voice of the victims, unmask a serial killer, and prove that her career-making case from 28 years prior isn’t also her undoing…”
The story has been adapted for the screen by Emmy-nominated writer, executive producer, and showrunner Liz Sarnoff (whose previous TV credits include Lost and Barry).
Described as a “gripping” series, the synopsis reveals that the “chilling crime thriller” unfolds across two timelines.
“This dual narrative explores Kay Scarpetta’s journey from her beginnings as a Chief Medical Examiner in the late ’90s to her present-day return to her hometown, where she resumes her former position while investigating a grisly murder,” it reads.
Prime Video
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“As Scarpetta pursues justice, she must navigate complicated relationships, including the fraught dynamic with her sister Dorothy Farinelli, confront long-held professional and personal grudges, and face secrets that threaten to unravel everything she’s built.”
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Lee Curtis, previously seen on the small screen in The Bear, will star as Scarpetta’s sister, while the rest of the main cast includes Bobby Cannavale as Detective Pete Marino, Simon Baker (The Mentalist) playing the role of FBI profiler Benton Wesley, and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) as Kay’s tech-savvy niece Lucy.
As part of the multi-timeline storytelling, past versions of Kidman, Curtis, Cannavale, and Baker’s characters will be portrayed by Rosy McEwen, Amanda Righetti, Jake Cannavale, and Hunter Parrish.
Prime Video
Author Patricia Cornwell has been hailed as “one of the best crime writers writing today” by The Guardian, “the Agatha Christie of the DNA age” by Express, and “America’s most stimulating and chilling writer of crime fiction” by The Times (via Amazon reviews).
The character of Kay Scarpetta first made her debut on the page back in 1990, and the crime stories have sold over 120 million worldwide, gaining a wide fanbase.
Scarpetta premieres on 11 March on Prime Video.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).