Although there are plenty of great movies based on true stories out there, somehow the situation always gets trickier when there is already a well-known documentary on the subject. Fictionalized adaptations of documentaries like Robert Zemeckis’ The Walk and Welcome to Marwen can’t help looking hokey in comparison to the real thing, and although there have been a lot of docs getting optioned in recent years, only a handful have actually been produced (just check out this list for proof). Now the trend of documentary “remakes” seems to be moving into the realm of TV, propelled by the popularity of the true crime genre. The Staircase, arguably one of the greatest true crime documentary series of all time, is about to get a narrative adaptation with a major Hollywood star headlining. Hit the jump for more info.

According to Variety, Harrison Ford is attached to star in a series adaptation of The Staircase, the 2004 documentary series directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. The story follows the trial of American novelist Michael Peterson, whose wife Kathleen Peterson died after falling down the stairs in their home. He was accused of bludgeoning her to death and the documentary crew followed the trial from the perspective of Peterson and his defense team as they are forced to adapt to the many twists and turns in the case.

The new series is being set up at Annapurna Television, who are currently shopping it around to various networks and streaming services. Antonio Campos (Simon Killer) will write and executive produce while Ford is also attached as an executive producer. It will potentially be the first time Ford has starred in a TV series although it will not be the first time he plays a character accused of killing his wife. Do you have any interest in seeing a Hollywood version of The Staircase?