A series adaptation of the “Vampire Academy” novels by Richelle Mead has been ordered to series at Peacock, with Julie Plec and Marguerite MacIntyre attached to write, Variety has learned.
The book series is a personal favorite of Plec’s, who is best known for co-developing the CW series adaptation of “The Vampire Diaries.”
“Julie Plec created one of the biggest fan-favorite universes with ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and its spin-off series ‘The Originals’ and ‘Legacies,’ and we are excited to deliver this passionate audience a brand new story on Peacock,” said Lisa Katz, president of scripted content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Julie is known for binge-able, enthralling dramas and we know ‘Vampire Academy’ will keep Peacock viewers right on the edge of their seats.”
In “Vampire Academy,” two young women’s friendship transcends their strikingly different classes as they prepare to complete their education and enter royal vampire society. The first book in the series was previously adapted into a film in 2014. Six books were published in the series in total between 2007 and 2010.
“When I signed my new deal with Universal Television, they asked what project I had always been dying to make and my immediate answer was ‘Vampire Academy,’” said Plec.
Plec and MacIntyre will serve as co-showrunners, co-writers, and executive producers on the series. Plec will executive produce under her My So-Called Company banner. Emily Cummins of My So-Called Company will also executuve produce along with Don Murphy and Susan Montford of Angry Films, Deepak Nayer, and Jillian DeFrehn. Universal Television will produce. Plec is currently under an overall deal at the studio.
“From ‘The Vampire Diaries’ to ‘The Originals,’ Julie has mastered captivating audiences with memorable characters, compelling storylines and delicious escapism,” said Erin Underhill, president of Universal TV. “’Vampire Academy’ delivers them all! We are very excited to see Julie’s ambitious and creative vision of this distinct world come to life, and can’t wait to share the series with Peacock viewers. I have no doubt fans will love what she’s cooked up.”
Along with “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Originals,” and “Legacies” — which have run for over 300 episodes combined — Plec is currently an executive producer on “Roswell, New Mexico” at The CW, which aired its second season last year. “Legacies,” meanwhile, recently began airing its third season.
She is repped by Management 360, Felker Toczek, and Anchor Media Strategy.
MacIntyre is a frequeny collaborator with Plec, having worked on “Containment,” “The Originaks,”” and “Legacies.”” Her other credits include “Casual” and “Pretty Tough,” as well as the upcoming Netflix series “From Scratch.”
She is repped by CAA and Katz Golden Lerner LLP.