Free@Last TV, producer of Agatha Raisin, has optioned the rights to the novel The Tangle by Justin Robertson.
The adaptation is being led by Stuart Wright who brought the project to Free@Last TV and will be adapting the novel for the screen.
Justin Robertson’s debut novel is a trans- dimensional trip into the mysterious knot of nature; a journey into the ‘brilliant darkness’ where the timeless divine spirit of the Tangle weaves its spell and all mankind’s hubris is rendered insignificant by the radically non-human force of phantom ecology. Salvation, revelation and a terrible reckoning dwell in the ancient roots …
Barry Ryan, Joint MD & Creative Director of Free@Last TV said: “The Tangle presents a fascinating exploration of our near-future, and we believe its thought-provoking themes and richly developed characters will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.”
The novel is published by White Rabbit books. Publisher Lee Brackstone said “The Tangle is a modern psychedelic classic which draws on and reinvents the classic tropes of fantasy and sci-fi in a literary medium. It is a trip down an allegorical wormhole and an investigation into the nature of Englishness in this context which could only have been produced by a man who has ingested vast quantities of Hawkwind and acid house as well as masters of the form like Moorcock and Catling. To see it reimagined for the screen will be miraculous, murderous and menacing.’
Justin Robertson sai: “I always conceived of the Tangle as constituting some kind of weird entity that could shift and change form at will. So, it’s fascinating and joyful to see it spread from the page and onto the screen where it can assume a new dramatic shape. Teaming up with Free at Last and the genius screenwriter Stuart Wright has been so refreshing, they really understand the book in ways that I hadn’t fully appreciated. Taking The Tangle as a seed bed they have nurtured a compelling narrative from the soil. Seeing it emerge has been thrilling. So, Let the garden of weird and eerie blossoms bloom as a spectacular tale of supernatural drama comes to life.”
Stuart Wright says ‘“I’m excited to be working with Free@Last TV and taking television audiences on a horror/sci-fi trip into Justin Robertson’s mind-bending dark fantasy – The Tangle”
The Tangle is the second project for Stuart at Free@Last TV, following the development of David Nolan’s Manc Noir trilogy.
The project has a planned release date in 2025.
This adaptation marks the latest in a series of high-profile projects for Free@Last TV, known for its successful adaptations and original programming that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The company aims to attract a diverse audience by delivering content that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
Pippa Considine
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