Anthony E. Zuiker, the renowned creator of “CSI,” has been appointed as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner for “The Quiet Tenant,” a limited series adaptation of Clémence Michallon’s debut horror/suspense novel. The project, currently in development at Blumhouse Television, will also involve Secret Menu, a media company launched in December 2023 by Oscar winner Charlize Theron, veteran media executive Dawn Olmstead, and Theron’s Denver & Delilah partners Beth Kono and AJ Dix.
“The Quiet Tenant” is a psychological thriller that delves into the life of Aidan Thomas, a kidnapper and serial killer, as narrated by those closest to him: his 13-year-old daughter, his girlfriend, and a victim he has spared. The novel examines the psychological repercussions of Aidan’s crimes on the women in his life and explores the strength they derive from their bonds to fight back.
Blumhouse TV acquired the rights to Michallon’s national bestseller shortly after its publication by Knopf in the U.S. and Abacus in the UK. The company sought a writer to adapt the novel and ultimately chose Zuiker for the task.
Blumhouse’s Jason Blum praised Zuiker’s cinematic style and storytelling approach, noting, “I knew the minute he pitched ‘The Quiet Tenant’ that he was the right voice to bring Clémence Michallon’s heart-pounding novel to television. We are thrilled to produce this project alongside the talented team at Secret Menu.”
Secret Menu has produced notable female-driven projects such as “Bombshell,” “Monster” (which earned Theron an Oscar), “Atomic Blonde,” “Angelyne,” “The Act,” and “Candy.”
Zuiker, who has spent over 25 years with the “CSI” franchise, including its most recent iteration, “CSI: Vegas,” is embarking on this project as his first collaboration with Blumhouse TV. He expressed his enthusiasm for the novel, stating, “When I read Clémence Michallon’s ‘The Quiet Tenant,’ I could not put it down. The story’s descriptive nature and thrilling elements spoke to me for the small screen. This is a story about a woman reclaiming her power under the most intense circumstances.”
This project marks a reunion between Secret Menu CEO Olmstead and Blum, who previously collaborated on several series under Blumhouse’s long-term deal with NBCUniversal, including “The Purge” and the docuseries “A Wilderness of Error.”
Olmstead remarked, “When Jason sent us this intense, taut thriller with such an original take on an abduction story, we immediately said yes because it aligns perfectly with what Secret Menu was created to produce. We are excited to be working with Blumhouse again and to have secured Anthony Zuiker for this adaptation.”
In addition to Zuiker, executive producers for “The Quiet Tenant” include Blumhouse Television’s Jason Blum and Chris Dickie, along with Secret Menu’s Theron, Olmstead, Kono, and Dix.
Secret Menu continues to develop projects including the thriller “Apex” starring Theron and directed by Baltasar Kormákur, the psychological thriller feature “Jane” about Philip K. Dick from Alfonso Cuaron, and the heist film “Two for the Money” directed by Justin Lin and starring Theron and Daniel Craig. The company is represented by Steve Warren of Hansen Jacobson Teller and CAA.
Zuiker is also working on several other scripted and unscripted TV projects and serves as executive producer of “The Hippest Trip,” a musical based on the “Soul Train” TV series. He is an investor in Alicia Keys’ Tony Award-winning musical, “Hell’s Kitchen.” Zuiker is represented by Literate, CAA, and Yorn Levine Barnes. Michallon is represented by Anonymous Content and InkWell Management.
Related topic:
Best 10 Episodes Of Prison Break
Is Stranger Things Scary for 12-Year-Olds?
Is Chief Boden Leaving Chicago Fire?