Scarlett Johansson’s death row drama JUST CAUSE will be written by Cord Jefferson and John Wells

writer Jefferson Cablebest known for writing episodes of the series The good placeHBO Guardiansand, more recently, the great Oscar-nominated film American fictionwhich was also his directorial debut, he is collaborating with the writer, showrunner and EP John Wellswho has worked on shows like The West Wing, ER, Shameless, South, and more. They will work together to write and executive produce the next film Scarlett Johansson-protagonist limited series, Just becausewhich represents his first major television role.

The series is in development at Amazon Prime Video and is an adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel of the same name. First published in 1992, Just because tells the story of Matt Cowart, a reporter from Miami. In this adaptation, Johansson will play a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after he receives a letter from a death row inmate declaring his innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the prisoner’s guilt, but also reveals other hidden horrors.

This project marks the second adaptation of Just becausethe first is a 1995 film with Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris, Ruby Dee AND Kate Capshaw. Johansson appeared in the film as Connery’s character’s daughter when she was 10 years old.

Johansson’s production company, These Pictures, is helming the adaptation.

via: Variety