Cord Jefferson co-writes and executive produces the adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel ‘Just Cause,’ starring Scarlett Johansson. This limited series marks her debut in a major television role.
The filmmaker from ‘American Fiction’ is now part of the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of Katzenbach’s novel ‘Just Cause.’ Writer John Wells joins Cord Jefferson in co-writing and producing. Johansson plays Madi Cowart, a version of the main character, in this story about a reporter investigating a death row inmate’s claims of innocence, uncovering hidden horrors along the way.
This marks the second adaptation of ‘Just Cause,’ with the first being a 1995 film. Johansson appeared in it as Sean Connery’s character’s daughter when she was 10. Jefferson’s debut film, ‘American Fiction,’ based on Percival Everett’s book ‘Erasure,’ received five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Jefferson, a writer-director, is one of two Black directors nominated for their debut films, alongside Jordan Peele for ‘Get Out.’
Jefferson has a deal with Warner Bros. Television Group since 2020. He won an Emmy for writing on HBO’s ‘Watchmen’ and has worked on shows like ‘Succession’ and ‘The Good Place.’
Wells, also with WBTV, is known for ‘ER’ and ‘The West Wing.’ He’s earned 25 Emmy nominations and won six, including for ‘ER’ and ‘The West Wing.’
Johansson’s company, ‘These Pictures,’ is leading the adaptation. She’s famous for playing Black Widow in Marvel movies since 2010. She got two Oscar nominations in 2019 for ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ joining 12 actors with double nominations. In 2010, she won a Tony Award for ‘A View from the Bridge.’ She’ll executive produce the series with Jonathan Lia, Keenan Flynn, and Erin Jontow.
