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The Island of Dr. Moreau Gets a TV Reboot—And a Gender Swap

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Sleepy Hollow co-creator Phillip Iscove will produce and write a new TV adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi story, The Island of Dr. Moreau, for CBS—and this time, the title role will go to a woman.

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This famous story about a scientist who creates hybrids of humans and other animals has seen many adaptations and allusions since it first came out in 1896, but my own internet digging seems to indicate that that this upcoming iteration will be the first to feature a female Dr. Moreau. This adaptation will name the lead character Dr. Katherine Moreau, and CBS described her as “fiercely intelligent and fearless.” Given that Dr. Moreau is often held up as an example of a complicated and unscrupulous character, this role could be a real get, especially considering how few meaty roles there are for older women on television.

Some of you may be a bit confused because this actually isn’t the only Dr. Moreau adaptation in development right now, although it is the only TV adaptation. Richard Stanley, who got fired midway through his attempt to direct the notorious 1996 film version of Dr. Moreau, recently turned in a script for his cinematic version of the story (and that script is apparently X-rated). It doesn’t seem like Stanley’s spin on the story has much to do with CBS’s plans, but if you enjoy all things Moreau, this documentary about Stanley’s short stint on set for that bizarre 1996 adaptation might be up your alley.

(via Uproxx)

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Author
Maddy Myers
Maddy Myers, journalist and arts critic, has written for the Boston Phoenix, Paste Magazine, MIT Technology Review, and tons more. She is a host on a videogame podcast called Isometric (relay.fm/isometric), and she plays the keytar in a band called the Robot Knights (robotknights.com).

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