Sylvester Stallone Adapting J.D. Barker’s ‘The Fourth Monkey’ Into New Series

Sylvester Stallone is venturing into the realm of dark crime television with an exciting new project based on J.D. Barker’s ‘The Fourth Monkey’ book series.

As reported by Deadline, Stallone’s Balboa Productions is collaborating with writer and producer Channing Powell, recognized for her contributions to ‘The Walking Dead’, to bring this adaptation to life. Currently in early development, the series will center around Barker’s gripping serial killer narrative.

The original novels follow Detective Sam Porter as he hunts down a vicious killer known as the Four Monkey Killer. This murderer adheres to a chilling code of “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil,” targeting victims in a ritualistic manner. The plot thickens as it delves into a concealed message behind the murders and the concept of “do no evil,” which involves exposing corruption through extreme and violent means.

The project is being crafted for television, with Powell set to write, showrun, and executive produce alongside Stallone and D. Matt Geller. Christian Bersani is overseeing development for Balboa Productions. This adaptation is based on a trilogy of novels, with additional books expanding the universe already in the pipeline.

Stallone expressed in a statement shared by Deadline that the material holds significant potential for television. He remarked, “J.D. Barker has created a world with enormous scale, real danger, a ruthless narrative engine, and the kind of mythology that is tailor-made for premium television.” He also commended Powell, stating that she is “exactly the right force to bring 4MK to the screen.”

Channing Powell shared her enthusiasm for the project, noting, “What drew me to 4MK immediately was its intensity, its intelligence, and the way it keeps tightening the screws until you can barely breathe.” She emphasized that the story tackles themes of guilt, justice, and corruption in a profoundly emotional manner.

Author J.D. Barker also conveyed his excitement regarding the adaptation, stating, “From the start, 4MK was designed to be a relentless, psychologically charged ride.” He acknowledged that Stallone and Powell bring the right creative energy to ensure the series resonates on screen.

Sylvester Stallone is widely recognized for iconic film franchises such as ‘Rocky’ and ‘Rambo’, as well as ‘The Expendables’. This new endeavor signifies another leap into television for his production company, while Channing Powell continues her extensive career in television drama.

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