Emily The Criminal went on as an overlooked indie gem, making a big splash at Sundance 2022 and later finding a home on streaming, and now it’s getting a second chance.
Deadline reports that Legendary Television is developing a series based on the film, written and directed by John Patton Ford. The outlet notes the company acquired the rights in a “competitive situation.”
Emily The Criminal starred Aubrey Plaza in the titular role; she won’t return to star in the series, but she will executive produce it through her Evil Hag Productions banner. Ford will direct and executive produce the series.
The film follows Emily (Plaza), saddled with student debt and locked out of the job market due to a minor criminal record. Desperate for income, she takes a shady gig as a “dummy shopper,” buying goods with stolen credit cards supplied by a handsome and charismatic middleman named Youcef (Theo Rossi). Faced with a series of dead-end job interviews, Emily soon finds herself seduced by the quick cash and illicit thrills of black-market capitalism and increasingly interested in her mentor, Youcef. Together, they hatch a plan to bring their business to the next level in Los Angeles.
Megalyn Echikunwoke and Gina Gershon joined Aubrey Plaza and Theo Rossi in the cast of Emily the Criminal. No word yet on any casting details for the series.
