A year after the announcement of Greg Nicotero’s involvement in a television adaptation of Robert McCammon’s post-apocalyptic novel Swan Song, new developments have emerged. Nicotero, renowned for his work on The Walking Dead and Creepshow, is not only serving as an executive producer for the series but will also direct its pilot episode. Now, it reports that the show has secured its showrunner: Russell Rothberg, who will also take on writing and executive producing duties.
Rothberg brings a wealth of experience to the table, with a notable resume that includes work as a writer and executive producer on the upcoming Long Bright River for Peacock. His credits also extend to The Offer on Paramount+, American Gigolo at Showtime, Foundation at Apple TV+, and Knightfall at History Channel. Rothberg has also played a significant role behind the scenes as a TV executive on series like Bates Motel, Chicago Fire, and The Path.
Monarch Media and Monster Agency Productions—the latter co-founded by Nicotero and Brian Witten—are behind this action-horror series, which is currently being shopped to networks and streaming platforms. The show is set in a world devastated by a nuclear conflict with a malevolent enemy, leaving the remaining citizens to fight for survival amidst monstrous creatures and hostile armies. In the midst of this chaos, a young girl offers a glimmer of hope against a supernatural force intent on the planet’s destruction.
Along with Nicotero and Witten as executive producers, the project boasts an impressive lineup, including Steve Barnett, Alan Powell, and Vicky Patel from Monarch Media, and McCammon himself, who will also receive an executive producer credit. Brandi Hagedorn is serving as co-producer.
When Swan Song was first announced, Nicotero expressed his long-standing admiration for McCammon’s work, particularly the novel’s compelling blend of survival, political intrigue, and supernatural elements. “The time is perfect to delve into this world,” he noted. Barnett, Powell, and Patel echoed his sentiments, praising McCammon’s unique vision and expressing their excitement to collaborate with Nicotero, citing his expertise in expanding the world of The Walking Dead.
While McCammon’s work continues to attract attention in the world of television and film, Peacock’s recent cancellation of Teacup—another adaptation of McCammon’s novel Stinger—signals the challenges of bringing such complex stories to life. Nonetheless, other McCammon adaptations remain in the works, including a film version of He’ll Come Knocking at Paramount Pictures and a long-anticipated adaptation of The Wolf’s Hour from Universal Pictures.
As Swan Song continues to develop, fans of McCammon’s work and Nicotero’s unique storytelling style are eagerly awaiting its debut.
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