Jeremy Allen White is set to star in and executive produce a new limited series adaptation of André Aciman’s novel Enigma Variations for Netflix, Variety has confirmed. The project is currently in development at the streaming giant, marking the second onscreen adaptation of one of Aciman’s works following the success of Call Me by Your Name, which was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film in 2017.
Enigma Variations explores the complex and often unrequited nature of love, charting the life of Paul, a man whose emotional attachments and passions span across his lifetime, from adolescence to adulthood. White will take on the lead role of Paul, a character whose relationships and desires remain intense and unfulfilled despite the passage of time.
A Story of Love and Desire Across Time
The official description of Aciman’s Enigma Variations highlights Paul’s journey through various stages of life, marked by a series of poignant and transient love affairs. Whether it’s a boyhood crush on his parents’ cabinetmaker in southern Italy, a long-standing unrequited love for a woman he meets repeatedly over the years, or anonymous encounters with men during his college years, Paul’s loves remain elusive and consuming. Set against the backdrop of locations such as New England, Central Park, and New York City, the novel explores themes of identity, desire, and self-discovery.
The narrative reflects the tension between hope and denial, as Paul navigates the complexities of his own desires, regrets, and dreams. Ultimately, Enigma Variations explores the universal quest for love and understanding, even as the characters remain enigmas to themselves and to others.
Aciman’s Literary Legacy Continues
This adaptation follows the massive success of Call Me by Your Name, Aciman’s 2007 novel that was adapted into a film directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film, which starred Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, was widely praised and received four Oscar nominations, with James Ivory winning the award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
With Enigma Variations, Netflix aims to bring another of Aciman’s beloved works to the screen, continuing the momentum established by Call Me by Your Name. While the film adaptation of Call Me by Your Name explored themes of passion and identity within a summer romance, Enigma Variations promises to delve deeper into the nuances of long-term desire and the complexity of human relationships.
Key Talent Behind the Series
Amanda Kate Shuman, known for her work on the Amazon series The Wheel of Time, will serve as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner for Enigma Variations. Shuman’s extensive experience in the world of television includes contributions to shows like Berlin Station, The Blacklist, and Chuck, making her an ideal candidate to lead this emotionally charged project.
Oliver Hermanus, a director known for his work on films such as Beauty and Living, will direct and executive produce the series. Hermanus has built a reputation for his ability to tackle complex emotional narratives and will bring his experience to bear on Aciman’s intricate exploration of love and longing. Hermanus has also recently directed multiple episodes of the Sky Atlantic-Starz series Mary & George and is currently finishing the film The History of Sound, starring Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal.
Aciman will executive produce the series alongside White, with Media Res producing. White, known for his role on the hit FX series The Bear and his long-running portrayal of Lip Gallagher on Shameless, is no stranger to complex, multi-layered characters. His work has earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards, and his involvement in Enigma Variations adds significant star power to the series.
The Talent Behind the Project
Jeremy Allen White’s performance in The Bear has garnered widespread acclaim, with the actor recently winning two Emmys and three Golden Globes for his portrayal of Carmy Berzatto. White’s addition to the cast of Enigma Variations has generated considerable excitement, with many anticipating his take on Paul, a character whose emotional depth and vulnerabilities align well with White’s range as an actor. In addition to his work on The Bear, White has a diverse filmography, including roles in The Iron Claw and upcoming projects such as Deliver Me from Nowhere, a biopic about Bruce Springsteen, and The Mandalorian series.
Amanda Kate Shuman’s experience as a writer and executive producer on The Wheel of Time has cemented her as a leading talent in the industry, particularly in the realm of high-concept, fantasy-based television. Her previous work on The Blacklist and Berlin Station shows her ability to craft compelling narratives across a variety of genres, making her well-suited to handle the emotionally complex material of Enigma Variations.
Oliver Hermanus, who has directed a range of powerful films, brings his expertise in character-driven stories to this project. His recent film Living, starring Bill Nighy, has been lauded for its poignant exploration of life and regret, themes that align closely with the emotional currents of Enigma Variations. Hermanus’s ability to handle delicate, introspective narratives makes him an excellent choice to bring Aciman’s novel to life.
Media Res and Netflix’s Partnership
Enigma Variations marks the second collaboration between Media Res and Netflix, following the announcement in September 2024 of Thumblite, a corporate thriller series starring Rosamund Pike. Media Res is known for producing high-quality content, including the acclaimed series The Morning Show and Pachinko for Apple TV+. The production company has developed a strong reputation for delivering both critically acclaimed dramas and commercial successes, and their involvement in Enigma Variations adds further credibility to the project.
As Netflix continues to expand its library of original content, the adaptation of Enigma Variations promises to be a significant addition. With an all-star cast and a talented creative team behind the scenes, the series is poised to captivate audiences with its exploration of love, desire, and the enigmatic nature of human connections. As production moves forward, fans of Aciman’s work and new viewers alike are eagerly anticipating this intimate and compelling series.
Stay tuned for more updates on Enigma Variations as it progresses toward its eventual release on Netflix.