The project is based on a 1996 book called Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit, written by John Douglas, a former special agent, and Mark Olshaker. The book examines high-profile cases that Douglas investigated during his career, including notorious serial rapists and killers such as the Atlanta child murderer and Seattle’s Green River killer. Throughout, Douglas profiles the perpetrators and details both their and their victims’ actions.
That the subject matter appeals to both Fincher and Theron isn’t surprising, given that they’ve each worked on films centering on serial killers in the past. Theron won an Oscar for her portrayal of a real-life murderer in 2003’s Monster. Meanwhile, Fincher directed 1995’s Seven, starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more, as well as 2007’s Zodiac, starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jake Gyllenhaal, among others.
The Mindhunter TV series has been a long time coming. According to Deadline, it was previously set up with HBO, and even then had Fincher and Theron attached to executive produce. At the time, Fox 21 had optioned the book, but the studio is no longer involved.
With Netflix having had enormous success with House of Cards, it’s understandable that they’d be interested in yet another series involving Fincher. He is expected to direct Mindhunter, as he has for certain episodes of House of Cards. Theron, of course, is another draw, whether or not she appears in the series as well.
