Two Hollywood powerhouses — Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis — are teaming up for Scarpetta, a gripping new thriller series based on Patricia Cornwell’s globally bestselling crime novels. The series has already made headlines after Prime Video officially greenlit two seasons in advance — a major show of confidence in the high-profile project.
A Dream Two Decades in the Making
Kidman, who will star as Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant but emotionally complex forensic pathologist, revealed that this project has been her personal passion for nearly 20 years.
“I’ve been pursuing Scarpetta for nearly twenty years,” Kidman said in a statement shared via Variety. “Back then, it was meant to be a feature film. So to unite with the formidable Jamie Lee Curtis, Prime Video, Jason Blum, and David Gordon Green on Liz Sarnoff’s series version of Patricia Cornwell’s thrilling books feels like it was meant to be. I cannot wait to inhabit Kay Scarpetta and am so thankful to Patricia Cornwell for entrusting me with her.”
The series, produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon MGM Studios, is based on Cornwell’s long-running book series that has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. The novels follow Dr. Scarpetta as she unravels complex murder mysteries through forensic science, sharp intellect, and personal grit.
Curtis as the Complicated Sister
Joining Kidman is Jamie Lee Curtis, who will portray Dorothy, Kay Scarpetta’s sister. The character’s relationship with Kay promises to be a focal point of the series — filled with emotional friction, long-held grudges, and deeply buried family secrets.
According to the official synopsis:
“The mystery thriller follows Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta (Kidman) as she returns to Virginia to resume her former position — navigating tangled personal and professional relationships, including with her sister Dorothy (Curtis), as she uncovers layers of deception, revenge, and hidden truths.”
Curtis herself has expressed excitement about the project, teasing that longtime fans of Patricia Cornwell’s novels will not be disappointed.
“The ardent fans of the books will be very happy,” Curtis promised, “and new audiences will be compelled by the characters, crimes, and mysteries that make Patricia’s storytelling so masterful.”
And with a knowing grin, she added a chilling hint for viewers:
“There WILL be BLOOD.”
A Star-Studded Supporting Cast
The series also boasts a stellar supporting lineup:
Bobby Cannavale (The Watcher, Boardwalk Empire) will play Pete Marino, a gruff former detective and Scarpetta’s close ally.
Simon Baker (The Mentalist) stars as Benton Wesley, an FBI profiler and Scarpetta’s longtime collaborator — and sometimes love interest.
Ariana DeBose, the Oscar-winning actress from West Side Story, joins as Lucy Farinelli-Watson, Dorothy’s daughter and Kay’s niece, known in the novels as a gifted tech specialist with a rebellious streak.
Rosy McEwen will portray a younger version of Kidman’s Kay Scarpetta, while Jake Cannavale — Bobby Cannavale’s real-life son — plays young Pete Marino.
Filming is set to begin this month in Nashville, marking the first time Cornwell’s forensic universe will come to life in a major television adaptation.
A Reunion of Horror Icons
Scarpetta will also serve as a reunion for Curtis and filmmaker David Gordon Green, who directed her in the recent Halloween trilogy (Halloween, Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends). Green joins the series as an executive producer, hinting that the show could carry a darker, more psychological edge reminiscent of his horror successes.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is equally impressive. Liz Sarnoff — best known for Barry and Lost — will write, executive produce, and serve as showrunner. The production team also includes Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris McCumber, and Chris Dickie for Blumhouse Television, as well as Per Saari for Blossom Films. Kidman and Curtis will executive produce through their respective companies, Blossom Films and Comet Pictures.
Patricia Cornwell herself will serve as executive producer for P & S Projects, ensuring the adaptation remains faithful to the tone and detail that have made her books such enduring hits.
