Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis Unite for Prime Video’s Bloody New Thriller ‘Scarpetta’ — “There WILL Be Blood,” Warns Curtis

In one of the most anticipated collaborations of the year, Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis are joining forces to headline a brand-new Prime Video mystery-thriller — an adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s best-selling “Scarpetta” novels. The project has officially been given the green light for two seasons, and it’s already generating massive buzz across Hollywood and beyond.

With an all-star cast, powerhouse producers, and the involvement of Blumhouse Television, Scarpetta promises a gripping mix of psychological tension, forensic intrigue, and familial conflict — all wrapped in a stylish, blood-soaked package.

A Legendary Duo Leads the Series

The series will center around Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant but emotionally complex Chief Medical Examiner, brought to life by Nicole Kidman. After years away, Kay returns home to Richmond, Virginia, where she must navigate not only the city’s gruesome crime scenes but also the tangled web of her own personal history.

Starring opposite Kidman is Jamie Lee Curtis as Kay’s sister, Dorothy, a character described as sharp-tongued, fiercely protective, and hiding secrets of her own. The dynamic between the two Oscar winners — both known for balancing vulnerability and strength on screen — is expected to be electric.

Curtis herself teased the tone of the series in a statement, saying:

“I have wanted to bring Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta to a screen for a while. I’m particularly excited that Nicole Kidman will finally bring her to life… and a warning — there WILL be BLOOD.”

That promise alone has fans of Cornwell’s novels — and lovers of prestige thrillers — eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

A Star-Studded Supporting Cast

The Scarpetta adaptation has also assembled a lineup of heavyweight talent to fill out its crime-riddled world.

Bobby Cannavale (The Watcher) plays Pete Marino, a gruff but loyal ex-detective with complicated ties to Scarpetta.
Simon Baker (Boy Swallows Universe) joins as FBI profiler Benton Wesley, a character whose intellect and emotional depth mirror Kay’s own.
Ariana DeBose, fresh off her Oscar-winning turn in West Side Story, will portray Lucy Farinelli-Watson, Scarpetta’s fiercely intelligent and rebellious niece.

In a clever casting move, Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean) and Jake Cannavale (American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez) have been tapped to portray younger versions of Kay and Pete, respectively — a decision that adds a layered, time-spanning dimension to the storytelling. Jake’s real-life father, Bobby Cannavale, plays the older version of his character, giving the casting uncanny authenticity.

A Story of Science, Secrets, and Sisterhood

The series is billed as a mystery thriller — but its narrative runs deeper than standard procedural fare. It explores themes of power, obsession, and female resilience, focusing on how past trauma and unresolved tension haunt both professional and personal lives.

As Scarpetta returns to her hometown, she is quickly drawn into a series of disturbing cases that hit closer to home than she could ever imagine. Old grudges resurface, buried secrets are unearthed, and every autopsy seems to lead back to the same chilling truth: someone is watching her.

Meanwhile, her sister Dorothy’s reappearance in her life forces Kay to confront long-buried emotions. The sisters’ relationship — strained, loving, and haunted by shared history — forms the emotional backbone of the series.

The Team Behind the Camera

Prime Video’s Scarpetta is backed by Blumhouse Television, the studio behind modern horror juggernauts such as The Invisible Man, Get Out, and Halloween — the latter of which also starred Jamie Lee Curtis and was directed by David Gordon Green, who returns here to direct the first two episodes.

The showrunner and head writer is Liz Sarnoff, a powerhouse known for her work on Barry and Lost. Her knack for mixing dark humor, complex psychology, and slow-burn tension makes her a natural fit for Cornwell’s world of crime and consequence.

Kidman and Curtis will also serve as executive producers, representing their production companies — Blossom Films and Comet Pictures. Cornwell herself joins the project as an executive producer, alongside Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris McCumber, and Chris Dickie of Blumhouse Television, and Per Saari of Blossom Films.

Rounding out the production team are Amy Sayres and David Gordon Green, both lending their creative expertise to ensure the adaptation captures the essence of Cornwell’s acclaimed novels.

Why ‘Scarpetta’ Could Be Prime Video’s Next Big Hit

With two Oscar-winning leads, an award-winning creative team, and source material beloved by millions, Scarpetta could easily become Prime Video’s next breakout franchise. Patricia Cornwell’s books — more than 25 novels and counting — have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and fans have long clamored for a faithful, modern adaptation.

The show’s gritty tone, forensic realism, and strong female perspective set it apart from other crime dramas. Think The Fall meets Big Little Lies — with a darker, bloodier twist.

Blumhouse’s involvement ensures a cinematic approach that blends crime and horror with psychological depth. And with Curtis’s ominous promise — “there WILL be BLOOD” — audiences can expect a thrilling mix of drama and dread.

Coming Soon to Prime Video

Production on Scarpetta is already underway, with the first season expected to premiere on Prime Video in 2025. The streamer has committed to at least two seasons, signaling high confidence in its long-term potential.

For fans of gripping mystery, powerhouse performances, and dark psychological storytelling, Scarpetta may be the next obsession.

As Curtis herself put it: “Fans of Patricia’s books will be very happy. And the new audience? They’ll be hooked — and horrified.”