By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter
In light of “Westworld” receiving 21 Emmy nominations this year, it seems like a suitable time to discuss Palisadian J.J. Abrams’ next HBO show: “Demimonde.” As one might assume from his portfolio, it’s set in a science fiction landscape.
There is always a certain air of mystery surrounding Abrams’ new content, and “Demimonde” is no different. HBO described it as “an epic and intimate fantasy series” in its official series announcement.
The International Movie Database, a comprehensive source of information for the entertainment community, was only slightly more descriptive: “The world battles against a monstrous, oppressive force.”
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word “demimonde” is defined as “a distinct circle or world that is often an isolated part of a larger world.”
Other definitions point to losing one’s reputation, lower class living and people on the fringes of respectable society. In French, “demi-monde,” translates to “half-life.” So, perhaps those provide some clues.
The best news so far is that Abrams will actually write “Demimonde,” which is reassuring for those who had concluded that he only produces content now.
The showrunner has been announced as Bathsheba Doran, who has written and produced numerous TV shows such as “Boardwalk Empire,” “Masters of Sex” and the UK Channel 4 series, “Jerusalem.” She is also the showrunner of “Westworld.” (In press releases, Bathsheba is referred to as “Bash.”) There is no release date yet for “Demimonde.”
In the meantime, Abrams is keeping busy with producing duties on Jordan Peele’s upcoming show, “Lovecraft Country,” and of course the third season of “Westworld.”
The trailer for “Overlord,” a sci-fi film Abrams produced at some point when he found the time, dropped on July 18. It lands in theaters on Nov. 9.
There is (literally) no rest in sight for Abrams and his Bad Robot team.
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