FX is developing a television adaptation of “King of Ashes,” the Southern Gothic crime thriller by novelist S.A. Cosby, according to Deadline. Elgin James is developing the series, with Amblin, Higher Ground and 20th Television also behind the project.
The “King of Ashes” FX series adapts Cosby’s novel about Roman Carruthers, who comes home to Virginia and his family’s crematory business when a suspicious hit-and-run leaves his father in a coma. Roman must then contend with his brother’s criminal debts, which have put the whole family in danger, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect them.
What Was Announced
James will executive produce the series alongside Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, Deadline reported. Amblin’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey will also executive produce, and Amblin’s Todd Cohen will serve as co-executive producer.
Lucy Stille of Lucy Stille Literary negotiated the rights deal, working on behalf of Josh Getzler of HG Literary, according to the outlet.
The project originally had a different home. When Amblin and Higher Ground won a heated auction for the book’s rights in 2024, Netflix was backing the planned series, Variety reported at the time. Deadline’s report doesn’t say why it moved to FX.
Elgin James’ Role and Background
James is currently shooting the upcoming “Prison Break” series for Hulu and holds an overall deal at 20th Television, according to Deadline. He co-created “Mayans M.C.” with Kurt Sutter and later took over as the motorcycle drama’s sole showrunner, guiding it through five seasons on FX. He also co-created “The Outlaws” with Stephen Merchant for Amazon.
His history with FX and his existing deal at 20th Television connect him directly to two of the companies now developing “King of Ashes.”
About the Source Novel
Cosby is a New York Times best-selling author, and his novels have been published in 28 languages, according to Deadline. “King of Ashes” is the latest of his books headed for the screen. Every one of his novels, including “All the Sinners Bleed,” “Razorblade Tears,” “Blacktop Wasteland” and “My Darkest Prayer,” has been optioned for film or streaming.
Netflix’s limited series adaptation of “All the Sinners Bleed” is set to premiere in spring 2027, per Deadline. With that series on deck and “King of Ashes” now in development at FX, Hollywood’s interest in bringing Cosby’s catalog to screen shows no sign of cooling.
What’s Next
No premiere date, script timeline or cast has been announced for the “King of Ashes” FX series. James remains busy with production on “Prison Break” for Hulu, and more details on “King of Ashes” should follow as development continues.
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
