After the tremendous success of Lifetime’s “Flowers in the Attack” and “Petals on the Wind,” among other titles, the cable network’s parent company, A+E Networks, has acquired the rights and licenses to the entire V.C. Andrews collection, including all new releases, currently standing at 138 books with more than 107 million copies sold worldwide. The extensive library includes over 40 years of material from the best-selling V.C. Andrews classics. Additionally, Lifetime has put the “Cutler” series into development. It follows the twisted tale of Dawn Longchamp whose entire world crumbles after the sudden death of her mother.
Fans of V.C. Andrews can also look forward to this summer’s airing of “Flowers in the Attic: The Origin,” the prequel limited series which peels back the curtain to reveal the twisted origins and dark secrets of the Foxworth family. Jemima Rooper (“Gold Digger”), Max Irons (“Condor”), Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”), Harry Hamlin (“Mad Men”), Paul Wesley (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Guiding Light”), T’Shan Williams, Alana Boden, Hannah Dodd and Kate Mulgrew (“Ryan’s Hope”).
The story follows the headstrong and determined Olivia Winfield Foxworth (Rooper) who is working alongside her beloved father (Hamlin) when she finds herself unexpectedly wooed by one of the nation’s most eligible bachelors, Malcolm Foxworth (Irons). After a whirlwind romance, Olivia finds herself as the mistress of the imposing Foxworth Hall, where she soon discovers that the fairytale life she expected has quickly become a nightmare. Under Malcolm’s debonair exterior lies a dark heart, and a twisted evil lurks inside Foxworth Hall that will threaten Olivia’s happiness and that of her children. Her attempts to keep them all safe ultimately push Olivia to become the most terrifying version of herself, leading to her inevitable — and notorious — decision to lock her grandchildren in the attic… Dodd stars as Olivia’s daughter, Corinne; while Williams takes on the role Foxworth Hall’s longtime staff member and Olivia’s observant housekeeper, Nella Jennings. Mulgrew plays Mrs. Steiner, Malcolm’s loyal house manager and head of the Foxworth Hall staff. Grammer portrays Malcolm’s illustrious father Garland Foxworth, who is married to new wife Alicia, played by Boden. Wesley plays John Amos, Olivia’s cousin whose revelations change her life forever.
The series is a production of A+E Studios in association with Sutton St. Productions and CBS Studios. Paul Sciarrotta serves as executive producer. Jennie Snyder Urman and Joanna Klein serve as executive producers for Sutton St. Productions and CBS Studios. Zoë Rocha serves as executive producer for RubyRock Pictures, Gary Pearl executive produces for Aquarius Content and Dan Angel executive produces. Declan O’Dwyer also executive produces and directed part one and part two of the limited series. Robin Sheppard serves as director for parts three and four. Scripts are from executive producer Paul Sciarrotta, as well as Amy Rardin and Conner Good.
“Flowers in the Attic: The Origin” is based on the prequel novel, “Garden of Shadows” by Andrew Neiderman. The limited series was made with the support of the Romanian Government.
To date, the V.C. Andrews novels have been adapted into over 19 films, 18 of which by A&E alone, with more in development.