Fox Planning SHOGUN & O.J. Simpson Longform Drama Series

FOX is in the Early Stages of developing two high-profile longform/event drama series, executives announced today.

The network has officially enlisted Michael De Luca (THE SOCIAL NETWORK) and Nigel Jacobson (ELIZABETH I) to adapt James Clavell Japan-centered novel SHOGUN, and Nina Jacobson (THE HUNGER GAMES) and Brad Simpson (WORLD WAR Z) to adapt THE RUN OF HIS LIFE: THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON, the nonfiction bok by Jeffrey Toobin that chronicled the courtroom drama of Simpson's trial in the 1990s.

"These are both Epic stories -- one fiction, one fact -- that have captivated millions of people worldwide. They're riveting and emotional, with unique historic backdrops that lend themselves to the high-quality, dramatic event series we're looking to make," Shana C. Waterman, senior vp event series and multiplatform programming at Fox, said. "Since we announced our first two projects, WAYWARD PINES and BLOOD BROTHERS, we've received an overwhelmingly positive response from the creative community, and we're ecstatic to have feature talent like Michael DeLuca, Nigel Williams, Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson working to bring these stories to life at Fox."

SHOGUN follows British sailor-turned-samurai John Blackthorne in 17th century Japan. He finds himself embroiled in a political conspiracy, becoming a pawn in leader Toranaga's venture to claim the top spot in the ruling chain, the Shogun.

Jacobson and Simpson will take on the infamous trial, centering on O.J. Simpson allegedl murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The series will showcase the 24-hours after the murder, including Simpson fleeing from the police and intense, and complicated, news cycle that followed. Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski are set to write the script.

Both longform dramas are currently slated to air in the 2014 season on Fox.

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