USA Network has ordered a pilot based on the book ‘Masters of Doom’ by David Kushner, with James and Dave Franco executive producing, under their banner Ramona Films.
Per Variety:
‘Masters of Doom’ is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the 90s, the video game ‘Doom’. John Carmack and John Romero were best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video game empire and transformed pop culture forever.
The book is nonfiction, and the TV series is already envisioned as an anthology, with future seasons focusing on other “seminal moments in the history of video games.” But keep in mind, USA has only ordered a pilot at this point.
Tom Bissell will serve as writer and executive producer. Bissell co-wrote the non-fiction book ‘The Disaster Artist’ (with Greg Sestero), which was turned into a movie, which James Franco directed, produced and starred in. Dave Franco also co-starred in the film.
Bissell is usually a writer for video games, which makes him uniquely suited to pen this adaptation. Among the games he has worked on are ‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’, ‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’, ‘Battlefield Hardline’, ‘The Vanishing of Ethan Carter’, and ‘Batman: Arkham Origins’. He has also authored numerous books including ‘Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter’.
No word on whether either James or Dave Franco will act or direct on ‘Masters of Doom’.
James recently directed the comedy ‘Zeroville’ in which both Francos appear, along with Will Ferrell, Megan Fox, Joey King, and Seth Rogen. Dave, who co-stars on the Netflix anthology series ‘Easy’, is be seen in the upcoming Netflix action movie ‘6 Underground’, directed by Michael Bay.
Check back for updates on ‘Masters of Doom’.