True Crime Series ‘The Staircase’ Enlists ‘Fear Street’ Director Leigh Janiak
DirectorLeigh Janiakjust served audiences a slasher trilogy spanning three different time periods and a hell of a lot of nostalgia with her adaptation ofR.L. Stine’sFear Steet.Now, Janiak is joining another Netflix series,The Staircase, that tackles a high-profile death under very mysterious circumstances.
Deadlineannounced thatLeigh Janiakis on board to direct two episodes of HBO Max’s upcoming true-crime series,The Staircase. The eight-episode drama series is an adaptation of the 2018 Netflix docuseries by the same name as well as a number of books and reports on the Michael Pearson case.
What’s the Michael Pearson Case?
In 2003, prolific novelist Michael Pearson was convicted of having killed his wife, Kathleen Pearson, two years prior. He claimed that his wife’s death was a result of her falling down the stairs as a result of being highly intoxicated from alcohol and Valium. However, the autopsy report concluded that Kathleen died from multiple injuries including blows to the back of her head from a blunt object.
ChristinedirectorAntonio CamposandAmerican Crime StorywriterMaggie Cohnwill explore the life of Michael Pearson, his family dynamics, as well as the death of Kathleen. Michael Pearson will be played byColin Firthand dynamic scream queenToni Collettewill play Kathleen Pearson.The Staircasewill also star a long list of talented actors includingRosemarie DeWitt(Little FiresEverywhere),JulietteBinoche(Let the Sunshine In),Parker Posey(Lost in Space),Odessa Young(Shirley),Patrick Schwarzenegger(Daniel Isn’t Real),Dane DeHaan(A Cure for Wellness),Olivia DeJonge(The Society),Sophie Turner(Game of Thrones),Michael Stuhlbarg(Shirly), andTim Guinee(Stargate SG-1).
The Netflix docuseries from writer and directorJean-Xavier de Lestradeprimarily focused on the trial and the evidence of Kathleen’s death. There are several twists and turns in this story though and I don’t want to spoil any details of the case. Based on what I do know about Michael’s odd demeanor during the trial, his secret life, and past history, I think this roster of actors will deliver a really impactful adaptation.
Step by Step
Leigh Janiak’s addition to this series is a great step in the right direction. Her work in theFear Streettrilogy proves that she can tackle horror with emotional subtext. WhileFear Street: 1978is an homage to old-school slasher films, the relationship between the main characters is palpable. The moments between sisters Ziggy (Sadie Sink) and Cindy (Emily Rudd) fluctuate throughout the film, but their final interaction is painfully effective and moving.
I’m really looking forward to seeing what she will do withThe Staircaseand how she can not only bring this case to life but capture the intensity of the individuals involved. I have every confidence that Janiak will do justice to Kathleen’s untimely fate as well as her daughters' experiences both before and after her death.
Production and release details have not yet been announced.
