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Cumberbatch to Star in Vatican Heist Series
22 Apr
Summary
- A24 will adapt Nick Brucker's upcoming novel 'White Smoke' into a TV series.
- Benedict Cumberbatch is attached to produce and star in the adaptation.
- The novel, set for a 2027 release, follows a heist at the Vatican.
A24 has acquired the rights to adapt Nick Brucker's forthcoming novel, "White Smoke," into a television series. Benedict Cumberbatch and his SunnyMarch production company will produce the show, with Cumberbatch also slated to star. This marks a significant development for the highly anticipated novel, which is not set to be published until 2027.
"White Smoke" is described as a heist novel centered on a group of thieves planning to steal valuable treasures from the Vatican during a papal conclave. The property generated considerable interest from various studios, but A24 and SunnyMarch's offer proved irresistible, especially given the novel's potential as a series.
Nick Brucker is the pseudonym for speculative fiction writer Nicholas Binge. His previous novel, "Dissolution," was recognized by The New York Times as one of the best books of 2025 and is currently being adapted for film at Sony Pictures. "White Smoke" has already achieved international success, with rights sold in 23 territories.
For Benedict Cumberbatch, this project represents a return to television following his acclaimed role in Netflix's "Eric." His production company, SunnyMarch, has a history of producing successful limited series, including the Emmy-nominated "Patrick Melrose" and the BBC's "Child In Time."
