Jenji Kohan’s ‘New World’ Drama Ordered To Pilot At HBO, Gus Van Sant To Direct

HBO’s long-gestating period drama project from Orange Is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan has been given an official pilot green light, with Gus Van Sant set to direct.

Co-written by Kohan, Bruce Miller (Alphas) and Tracy Miller, the project, titled New World, is described as a provocative period drama that explores the circumstances around one of the most compelling chapters in American history where intolerance and repression set neighbor against neighbor and led a town to mass hysteria. While HBO is not elaborating beyond the carefully crafted logline, New World is believed to be tackling topics inspired by the events surrounding the infamous Salem Witch Trials in 17th century New England.

Casting is currently underway, with production on the pilot slated to take place in Boston, Massachusetts this spring. New World is a co-production between HBO and Orange producer Lionsgate TV.

Kohan, Bruce Miller and Van Sant executive produce with Tara Herrmann. Mark Burley will co-executive producer, with Bruce’s wife, Tracy Miller, serving as supervising producer. Kohan is with CAA, the Millers are with ICM Partners.