Danny Boyle reveals prequel series based on The Beach is in development

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

It seems to be Danny Boyle week. The filmmaker has been promoting his upcoming film YESTERDAY and has used the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics, including his time developing BOND 25, which actor he thinks should be the next James Bond, and revealing that a third installment of the 28 DAYS LATER franchise is a possibility. Now he's back for another tidbit.

While speaking with The Independent, Danny Boyle said that a prequel TV series based upon 2000's THE BEACH (which itself was based on Alex Garland's 1996 novel) is in development courtesy of Amy Seimetz. The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio as a young American tourist who comes across a mysterious island in the Gulf of Thailand where a small community of people live an idyllic existence.

The Beach may come back. [Seimetz] has taken The Beach and made a prequel for television. It’s the same character but it’s set now, so 20 years later – it’s a bit of a headf***.

A prequel but set 20 years later, that is a bit of a headf**k. "It’s intriguing when you see it," Boyle continued. "I’ve read the first two scripts. I don’t know if they’ll have the courage to do it at FX, but you never know." Seimetz inked an overall deal with FX last June which allows her to develop new TV projects exclusively for the network. The actress, recently seen starring in the PET SEMATARY remake, served as executive producer/co-creator/director/writer of Starz's The Girlfriend Experience, which was based upon the Steven Soderbergh film of the same name. She's also helmed several episodes of FX's Atlanta.

This isn't the first time that we've heard of THE BEACH getting a second life, as author Alex Garland mentioned that some form of revival was in the works more than a year ago. "Well, someone very talented is currently working on a possible adaptation, so I'm really interested to see what they write," said Garland. It remains to be seen whether this prequel TV series will actually happen, but I must admit that I'm intrigued by the possibility.