Josh Hartnett to star in new Sky Original limited series, The Fear Index.
The internationally renowned performer leads the cast of a ‘taut’ thriller that is based on the best-selling novel by Robert Harris.
“Paul and Caroline’s scripts offer a relentlessly gripping take on a chilling Frankenstein parable of our times, and we are delighted to be working with Left Bank and the incredible cast led by Josh Hartnett to bring Robert Harris’s thrilling story to Sky viewers later this year.” – Gabriel Silver, Director of Commissioning, Drama, Sky Studios
Adapted by Paul Andrew Williams and Caroline Bartleet, the four-part series sees Hartnett joined by Leila Farzad, Arsher Ali and Grégory Montel.
Hartnett will star as Dr Alex Hoffman, a computer scientist and genius who is ready to make a killing. Alongside his Hedge Fund business partner and best friend, Hugo (Ali), he’s launching VIXAL-4 to investors – an AI-driven system that exploits fear in the financial markets and operates at lightning speed to make big returns.
However, in the pulse of Geneva’s financial district, Alex’s sanity is shaken after he is viciously attacked at his home by a man who knows all of his security codes. After more unexplained occurrences, he becomes convinced he is being framed. But as secrets surface from his past, will anyone believe that he isn’t just losing his mind?
Detective Leclerc (Montel), assigned to the case, struggles to work this former CERN scientist out, Hoffman’s talented artist wife, Gabby (Farzad) might just be losing patience this time, whilst Hugo’s only concern is the billion-dollar business on the line.
“”This could not be a more timely moment to explore the sinister application of AI, and we are very excited to partner with Sky to bring Robert Harris’s prescient thriller to the screen.” – Sharon Hughff, Executive Producer, Left Bank Pictures
The four-parter is being produced by Left Bank Pictures, with filming set to begin this month in Hungary.
