Bill Hader to create Jim Jones and Jonestown series for HBO.

Bill Hader is poised to embark on a new venture, following the success of his Emmy Award-winning series “Barry.” He is set to co-create a new HBO series that will delve into the life of notorious cult leader Rev. Jim Jones, who orchestrated one of the most tragic events in modern history. This series will explore the dark saga of the People’s Temple and the infamous Jonestown settlement, where in November 1978, more than 900 individuals lost their lives in a mass murder-suicide incident.

Hader, alongside his co-writer and co-showrunner Daniel Zelman, will take on multiple roles within the production, potentially including the position of director and lead actor. The Jonestown tragedy, which involved group members consuming a lethal concoction disguised as a drink mix, stands as a chilling example of manipulation and mass hysteria. It followed a horrific event in which Congressman Leo Ryan and several aides were murdered by members of the cult shortly before the poisonings occurred.

The series aims to shed light on the complex dynamics within the People’s Temple and the moral questions surrounding leadership, loyalty, and deception. The tragedy has previously been the subject of extensive exploration through various documentaries and literature. One notable portrayal was the CBS miniseries “Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones,” which aired in 1980 and featured actor Powers Boothe in the lead role.

Hader gained recognition not only for his work on “Barry,” where he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series twice, but also for his tenure on “Saturday Night Live” and “Documentary Now!” Furthermore, he has achieved Emmy recognition as a producer for “South Park.” His extensive background in both acting and production positions him as a compelling choice for tackling a series based on such a weighty subject matter.

Daniel Zelman, a veteran in the television industry, is known for his contributions to acclaimed shows such as “Damages,” starring Glenn Close, and Netflix’s “Bloodline.” Additionally, he served as a consulting producer on the critically acclaimed series “Succession.” With this combination of talent and experience behind the project, the upcoming HBO series on Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre promises to offer a gripping and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with audiences.

The Jonestown event continues to capture public interest, as evidenced by its recent depiction in the Apple TV series “The Studio,” which featured a satirical take on a fictional Jonestown film directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. The tragic history of the People’s Temple remains a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by charismatic leaders and the vulnerabilities of their followers.

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