Christina Ricci and Hamish Linklater are set to headline a gripping new true crime series titled “Chop Shop.” This series, inspired by Kathy Braidhill’s book, delves into the dark underbelly of the funeral business in the 1980s San Fernando Valley.
The narrative centers around the Lamb Funeral Home in 1980s Los Angeles. David Sconce, portrayed by Linklater, is the son of a Bible college football coach and a church organist. When he takes over the family business, the seemingly virtuous family embarks on a shocking descent into criminality. Sconce devises a sinister business strategy involving human body harvesting and mass cremation to keep the funeral home afloat. The series promises to capture the era’s neon greed and the transformation of a former football star into a sociopath.
Ricci will play a journalist inspired by Braidhill, adding another layer of intrigue to the story. The script, penned by Andy Bellin, aims to paint a harrowing portrait of ambition and hubris.
Ricci, known for her roles in “Wednesday” and “Monster,” is currently filming the third season of Showtime’s hit series “Yellowjackets,” for which she has received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Linklater, on the other hand, is in production for the second season of Amazon’s “The Boys” spinoff “Gen V” and can be seen as Abraham Lincoln in the Apple TV+ series “Manhunt.” His directorial debut, “Downton Owl,” co-directed with Lily Rabe, was recently released by Sony Pictures.
Bellin, the writer behind “Lovelace” and “Trust,” is also working on several other projects, including “The Baccarat Machine” at SK Global, “Think Aaron” at HBO Films, and an untitled thriller starring Jared Leto at h.wood Media.
Producers Laura Rister and Michael Rosenberg of Untitled Entertainment expressed their excitement about the project. “Upon reading Braidhill’s book ‘Chop Shop,’ we were fascinated to discover this shocking Los Angeles story that truly is stranger than fiction. Christina and Hamish naturally gravitate to complex, brave material and roles. We feel so fortunate to capture their combined magic in one show. We also look forward to collaborating again with Andy Bellin, who shares a deep curiosity for intricate human stories,” they said.
Ricci is represented by Untitled Entertainment, CAA, and Afifi Law. Linklater is repped by Untitled Entertainment and CAA. Bellin is represented by WME and The Gotham Group.
