MGM+ ORDERS SCI-FI SERIES "EARTH ABIDES" BASED ON LEGENDARY CULT CLASSIC NOVEL AND STARRING ALEXANDER LUDWIG

The six-episode limited series from creator and showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully) is based on the novel of the same name by George R. Stewart and will star Alexander Ludwig (Vikings)

Earth Abides begins production in Vancouver on April 8 and will debut on MGM+ in late 2024

LOS ANGELES - March 26, 2024 - Premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ announced today a six-episode limited series order for Earth Abides, a wildly imaginative new take on George R. Stewart's classic sci-fi novel of the same name. Created by showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully), the series comes from MGM+ Studios and executive producers Kearie Peak and Lighthouse Productions' Michael Phillips and Juliana Maio. The series will star Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) as "Ish" and begin production in Vancouver on April 8. Earth Abides is slated to premiere on MGM+ in late 2024.

When a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out. In the aftermath, as the great machine of civilization slowly and inexorably breaks down, only a few shattered survivors remain to struggle against the slide into extinction.

The leading character of "Ish," played by Ludwig, is a brilliant but solitary young geologist living a semi-isolated life who awakens from a coma only to find that there is no one left alive but him. A plague of unprecedented virulence has swept the globe, and yes, there are a few scattered survivors, but there are no rules. His journey is to learn the difference between sanctuary and survival and to open his heart to love if he is to find meaning in his life after the great machine of civilization has broken down.

"It's very special to reintroduce Earth Abides to fans of George Stewart's seminal work of science fiction, as well as to a new generation," said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. "The story's messages of humanity, hope, and compassion are as relevant today as they were nearly a century ago."

"It has been an unmitigated thrill to adapt such a seminal sci-fi work, and the themes illuminated by George Stewart 75 years ago could not be more meaningful and timelier for the world we are living in today," said creator and showrunner Todd Komarnicki. "Despite the chaos and division that greets us every morning in the news, the truth remains that the way forward for society is through unity, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and grace."

The series is based on the novel by George R. Stewart, which is published by Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Oscar(R)-winner Michael Phillips (The Sting), along with Juliana Maio and Kearie Peak, serve as executive producers. Komarnicki serves as writer and showrunner. Additional writers include Karen Janszen, Tony Spiridakis, Evan Hart, and Kyle Stephen. Bronwen Hughes is set to direct the pilot and Episode Two. Rachel Leiterman will direct Episodes Three and Four, and Stephen Campanelli will direct Episodes Five and Six.

Alexander Ludwig - "Ish"

Alexander Ludwig is a versatile and talented actor, producer and musician who has captivated audiences worldwide. He is known for his roles in box office hits and critical acclaimed films such as Guy Richie's The Covenant alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Ric Roman Waugh's National Champions alongside Uzo Aduba, Stephan James, and J.K. Simmons, and Sony's Bad Boys for Life alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. His leading roles in television series such as Bjorn in globally recognized Vikings, and Ace in Peter Segal's Heels, have continued his success with global recognition. Upcoming, Ludwig is set to reprise his role as Dorn in Bad Boys 4 scheduled to release in theaters on June 7th. He joined the franchise in the latest film Boys for Life which broke box office records and became the most successful film in the franchise. Ludwig recently finished shooting the upcoming feature film Marked Men directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on Jay Crownover's book series. He also wrapped production on the feature film Killing Castro directed by Eif Rivera, alongside Al Pacino. Additional previous credits include Emmerich's film Midway opposite Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid, Lone Survivor directed by Peter Berg, Grown Ups 2, and the box-office smash-hit The Hunger Games.

Alexander Ludwig is represented by Untitled Entertainment and WME. Todd Komarnicki is represented by Gotham and attorney Darren Trattner. The rights to the book Earth Abides are represented by David Wienir and Matthew Spindler at HarperCollins Publishers.

About Lighthouse Productions

Lighthouse Productions is a film and television company founded by Michael Phillips (Oscar-winning producer) and Juliana Maio (Best-selling author and producer). Their new production of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead will be released in theatres this April.

About MGM+

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of exclusive original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises - all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid, the anticipated new series Hotel Cocaine and Emperor of Ocean Park, the limited series A Spy Among Friends, and cinematic dramatic series Rogue Heroes, War of the Worlds, and Beacon 23. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including the critically acclaimed In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, and NFL Icons,. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, Beekeeper, Boys in the Boat, American Fiction and Mean Girls 2. MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, digital distribution channels and the MGM+ app. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.