Kevin Costner’s 2014 Drama to Get a TV Adaptation with a Major Twist
Kevin Costner’s movies have previously been adapted for TV, and now another one of his films is getting the same treatment. Back in 2021, a TV adaptation of his iconic 1989 baseball movie Field of Dreams was in development at Peacock, with The Good Place creator Michael Schur set to write and executive produce. The series, which would have starred Nick Offerman and Andre Braugher, was eventually shelved as Peacock decided to focus on other projects.
Now, Costner’s 2014 sports drama Draft Day is being reimagined as a TV series—though with a significant twist. While the original film, directed by Ivan Reitman, was about the Cleveland Browns’ general manager making high-stakes decisions on draft day, the new series will shift its focus to basketball and the NBA. The show will explore the excitement and drama of basketball players being drafted into the league and the pressures that come with fulfilling their dreams.
Lionsgate TV is producing the project alongside LeBron James’ SpringHill company and Madison Wells, who also produced the original film. It’s still early in development, with no writer attached yet, but the partnership has generated buzz. Scott Herbst, EVP of Scripted Development at Lionsgate Television, expressed confidence in the project’s direction, especially with LeBron James and SpringHill’s involvement.
Herbst said, “LeBron’s passion, drive, and excellence are evident in everything he does, and with SpringHill overseeing this project, it’s in the best hands possible.” Jamal Henderson, SpringHill’s Chief Content Officer, added that the series would offer a “dynamic, character-driven” portrayal of the challenges and triumphs that come with the high-stakes world of professional sports.
Although TV projects can sometimes falter, if this adaptation moves forward, one key element of its success will be casting. Draft Day is particularly memorable for featuring one of Chadwick Boseman’s earliest roles, so the new series may carry some emotional weight tied to his legacy.
