TV – French Zombie Series ‘The Returned’ To Be Remade By A&E!

The French zombie series The Returned, which aired last year in France, turned out to be a big hit for them and was subsequently aired in the UK this past Spring.  The series was also picked up by Sundance channel to air in the U.S. this Halloween season.  Now A&E network has plans on remaking the series for U.S. audiences.   They’ve had great success with their Bates Motel series, so now they plan on tackling the unorthodox zombies from The Returned.   Word has it that Carlton Cuse, the executive producer and co-showrunner of Bates Motel in in talks to adapt the series.  Read on below for more details.

Per Deadline, Hit French series The Returned (Les Revenants) is getting an American remake. A&E Network has nabbed rights to the supernatural/suspense drama, which will be developed as a co-production between A+E Studios and FremantleMedia North America.

Created by Fabrice Gobert, Les Revenants was inspired by the 2004 feature film by the same name directed by Robin Campillo (English-language title They Came Back). It focuses on a small town that is turned upside down when several local people who have been long presumed dead suddenly reappear, having not aged and unaware of their own fatality. As they attempt to resume their lives, strange phenomena and gruesome murders begin to occur. “The Returned takes an incredibly unique approach, filled with suspense and twists and turns, to the subject of the living dead,” said A&E’s EVP and general manager David McKillop. Added FMNA CEO Thom Beers, “Having seen Fabrice Gobert’s original version and the success the series has had in France, we’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at A+E to bring this enigmatic thriller to U.S. audiences.”

Sundance Channel recently acquired the eight-episode first season for a Halloween debut, while Music Box Films is planning a January VOD/DVD U.S. release.

Watch the trailer for The Returned here: