Ethan Hawke to star in the adaptation of The Good Lord Bird

Showtime has commissioned an eight-episode adaptation of James McBride's award-winning novel, The Good Lord Bird, which will have Ethan Hawke play the lead, and also serve as the executive producer. 

Good Lord Bird is based on 19th-century abolitionist John Brown, and directed by Anthony Hemingway, the show will be told from the perspective of Onion, a teenager living in slavery in Kansas who eventually joins Brown's group of activists who lead a nationwide revolt against slavery as an institution.

"The Good Lord Bird is one of my favourite books, told with wit, grace, and wisdom by the great James McBride. Bringing this story to the screen has been a passion project of mine, and I am incredibly fortunate to have partners who are equally enthusiastic and are making it a reality -- my wife and producing partner Ryan Hawke, and my longtime friends at Blumhouse," said the First Reformed actor, who is also co-writing the script with Mark Richard.

Hemingway, alongside Jason Blum, Brian Taylor, Ryan Hawke, David Schiff, Jeremy Gold, and Marci Wiseman, will also serve as the executive producer on the project.