Jonathan van Tulleken '10 to Adapt Horror Novel ‘The Loney’

Fresh from his success with FX’s breakout hit Shōgun, Film alum Jonathan van Tulleken '10 has been tapped to helm the series adaptation of Andrew Michael Hurley’s horror novel The Loney, for New Regency Television.

The novel, described as an “original thriller about faith, the destructive power of evangelism and the human potential for evil” in The Guardian’s 2015 review, was originally released in a limited-edition of only 300 copies by independent publisher Tartarus Press. It was then picked up for wider distribution by John Murray Press, and quickly became a surprise hit, winning the prestigious Costa First Novel Award, finding print in 20 languages, and earning enthusiastic praise from horror stalwart Stephen King.

The story takes place on a dreary stretch of Lancashire coastline known colloquially as the Loney, and follows a young boy and his disabled brother as their mother takes them on a pilgrimage in search of healing.  What they find instead fuels a narrative full of death, decay, and spiritual crisis; but as with many a creepy classic, much of the appeal lies in the unknown, a certain feeling of unease and suspense that can’t be easily quantified. It’s a challenge van Tulleken is eager to explore.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to adapt The Loney,” van Tulleken said in a statement to Variety. “Its dark allure, complex characters and twisting narrative are a perfect foundation for a deeply compelling and visually immersive series that is an absolute gift for a director.”

“It’s wonderful to be working with New Regency and Jonathan van Tulleken,” Hurley told The Wrap. “They are genuine fans of the novel and as fascinated as I am with faith, family, and folk horror. Screen adaptation gives a story a whole new dimension, and I’m excited to see where The Loney goes next.”

Van Tulleken’s career recently reached the stratosphere with the release of Samurai epic Shōgun in February, a series that went on to garner a historic 25 Emmy Nominations, the most of any series this year. The show also joined Netflix’s Squid Game as only the second non-English-language series to ever be nominated for television’s top prize, Outstanding Drama Series. In addition to serving as Co-Executive Producer on the series, van Tulleken directed two episodes, including the pivotal pilot, setting the tone for the acclaimed run.

Van Tulleken’s recent body of work also saw him teaming with Associate Professor of Writing Victor LaValle ’98, whose novel The Changeling was adapted into a 2023 limited series for Apple TV+, for which van Tulleken directed four episodes and again served as an EP.  

While The Loney is on the horizon, Van Tulleken is currently tackling one of science fiction’s most beloved franchises, directing and executive producing the limited series Blade Runner 2099 for Amazon.