Fans of the thriller genre are all set to get another adaptation of the novel, Sparks. Previously, this thrilling novel, which dives into the life of Takeuchi Shingo, was adapted into a Japanese television miniseries. Right after the arrival of this miniseries, its fame rose exponentially.
The first episode of this 2016 adaptation of Sparks received the highest first-episode rating, denoting the depth of the storyline. This time, Blumhouse has tapped the novel for a TV series and already has a skilled writer for the pilot of the U.S. adaptation. Here are the details of the U.S. TV adaptation of this novel.
Sparks to get a U.S. TV series adaptation
The rights for Sparks have already been acquired by Blumhouse Television, which is now all set to bring the storyline of this novel to the screens. The pilot of the adaptation will be written by the very talented Krystal Houghton Ziv.
Krystal Houghton Ziv has already worked on many projects that have depicted her abilities in a distinct manner. Some of Ziv’s other notable projects are Deadly Class, Rush Hour, CSI: Miami, Wolf Pack, etc.
For the U.S. adaptation of Sparks, Mark Amin, Dave Devries, etc. are taking on the charge as the executive producers. Mark Amin also has an array of successful projects under his belt, such as Bleeding Love, Land of Dreams, Manhattan Undying, Stonehearst Asylum, etc.
The author of Sparks, Shusuke Shizukui, already has many other novels that were adapted into movies and TV shows. Some of Shizuki’s other works are Bitter Blood, Hannin ni tsugu, Killing for the Prosecution, Masked Reunion, etc. The storyline of Sparks dives into the struggles that Yukimi goes through after she finds the true nature of Takeuchi Shingo, an acquitted murder suspect.
Takeuchi Shingo, a serial murder suspect, was acquitted by Judge Kajima Isao. After getting acquitted, Takeuchi moves to Isao’s neighborhood. Soon, Takeuchi begins to charm Isao Kajima and his family. However, Kajime’s son’s wife, Yukimi, begins to suspect Takeuchi after an array of complicated incidents happens in their neighborhood. She soon is able to understand Takeuchi’s reality and tries her best to bring his truth to the world.
However, it is not an easy task for Yukimi, as she is isolated from her family. A distinct aspect of Takeuchi’s character in the novel Sparks is his eagerness to be liked by people. He can go to any extent to make people like him; however, if he gets avoided by the people he cares about, it brings forth a distinct violent side of him. Growing up, Takeuchi did not receive love from his parents. This aspect of his past also casts a shadow on his life.
The manner in which Takeuchi’s character is depicted in the thriller novel of Shusuke Shizukui leaves an impact. Now that the series is also getting a U.S. adaptation, it will be intriguing to see how Blumhouse Television brings Takeuchi’s storyline to life. In the Japanese adaptation of the novel, there are nine episodes, each packed with an intense atmosphere as Takeuchi’s truth is slowly unraveled by Yukimi.
In the Japanese miniseries, Yûsuke Santamaria takes on the role of Shingo Takeuchi. The actor does an impeccable job in bringing life to the layered character of Takeuchi.
Some of Yûsuke Santamaria’s other notable projects that can also be added to your watchlist are Cold Case: Shinjitsu No Tobira, Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu, You’ve Got Someone to Come Home To, Hikaru Kimi e, etc. Besides Yûsuke Santamaria, some of the other cast members of the Japanese adaptation of the novel are Haruka Kinami, Ryûta Satô, Mayumi Asaka, etc.
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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY