‘Wolf Hall’ screenwriter adapting supernatural thriller ‘The Three’ for BBC

The BBC has ordered a major new adaptation of The Three, based on the trilogy of books by Sarah Lotz.

Golden Globe winner Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) will adapt the “multi-stranded international thriller with a supernatural twist” as an eight-part mini-series for BBC One.

The official synopsis reads:  “Four planes crash on the same day in four different countries. Three children miraculously survive…

“Elspeth Martin, a no-nonsense crash investigator with the NTSB in Washington, is under pressure to find out what caused the crashes. A rationalist, she is dogged in her determination to get at the truth, but this process is obstructed by conflicting evidence, media scrutiny and conspiracy theories.

“Then there are rumours that a fourth child has survived one of the crashes, and a mysterious message is discovered on a passenger’s mobile phone.”

The first novel was published in 2014.

Author Sarah Lotz commented: “I’m beyond thrilled that the BBC has chosen to green light the adaptation of The Three. Working with the brilliant Kate Sinclair and genius writer Peter Straughan on the project has been one of the highlights of my career, and I’m honoured and humbled that it’s in such creative, insightful and passionate hands.”

Wolf Hall screenwriter Peter Straughan added: “The Three looks at how fear and paranoia can affect society on a global level, while interrogating the effects of trauma on ordinary lives. Working on the project so far has been a fascinating journey, and I can’t wait to continue with our exciting team.”

The Three is expected to air on BBC One in the UK in 2018.