Series based on thriller novel The Hush in development

In a competitive situation, Clark Peterson and his Story and Film, Inc have optioned Sara Foster's thriller novel "The Hush" for development into a television series. Set in near-future London, "The Hush" follows a group of women who join forces with a midwife to save her daughter, the latest in a string of pregnant teens who have mysteriously disappeared.

In the six months since the first case of a terrifying new epidemic, the government has passed sweeping new laws to monitor all citizens, and young pregnant women are disappearing without a trace.

Peterson is producing alongside Jess Jacobs (Soul City), Stacy Milbourn (Yellowstone (2018)) and Chris Bellant of Established Artists. Foster is co-executive producer.

"The Hush" is a stunning thriller, but it's also so timely in its exploration of women's rights and relationships," Peterson explains, adding, "Sara's novel takes female empowerment to a whole new level."

Foster, the author of six other novels, has a unique background in writing, having recently completed her Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, with an academic focus on maternal relationships in dystopian fiction.

"I wrote "The Hush" with a multigenerational cast of strong female characters determined to defy the odds, subvert the norms of oppression and surveillance, and circumvent the power of government - all while finding new, innovative ways to come together and rise above the people and the system that try to dominate them," said Foster.

"I'm thrilled that the story is in such immensely talented hands," Foster added, "and I can't wait to see these characters, who are so close to my heart, come to life on screen."

"Stories like 'The Hush' remind us of what's at stake and what's possible," Jacobs said. "The characters Sara has created navigate a dangerous world where they find so much hope in their collective strength. I can't imagine a better time or team to tell this story."

The novel is published by Blackstone Publishing in the US and Harper Collins in Australia.

Peterson is currently producing the series adaptation of David Cronenberg's "Scanners", along with Michael Ellenberg's Media Res, at HBO. Jacobs recently produced the documentary "Plan C," which follows an underground network trying to expand access to abortion pills in the US, which is heading to Sundance next month.

EXCLUSIVE: In a competitive situation, veteran producer Clark Peterson and his Story and Film, Inc has optioned Sara Foster’s thriller novel ‘The Hush’ for development as a television series https://t.co/9xrkmqNhTr

— Deadline Hollywood (x-on:DEADLINE) January 12, 2023