First look - Kidman as Scarpetta

 

Prime Video Unveils "Scarpetta": Nicole Kidman Leads Long-Awaited Adaptation of Patricia Cornwell's Iconic Thriller Series

The decades-long wait is finally over for fans of Patricia Cornwell's globally celebrated Kay Scarpetta novels. Prime Video has officially announced the premiere date and released tantalizing first-look details for "Scarpetta," a new forensic crime thriller set to bring the beloved medical examiner to the screen on March 11, 2026.

With over 120 million copies of the books sold worldwide since Dr. Kay Scarpetta's debut in 1990, this adaptation marks a monumental moment for readers who have eagerly anticipated a definitive screen portrayal. Developed and written for television by Emmy-nominated Liz Sarnoff (Barry, Lost), the series promises a gripping and multi-layered exploration of justice, psychology, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman steps into the formidable shoes of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, an unrelenting medical examiner whose skilled hands and unnerving eye are dedicated to giving a voice to victims. The series will follow Scarpetta as she battles to unmask a serial killer and prove that a career-making case from 28 years prior isn't also her undoing. Set against the intricate backdrop of modern forensic investigation, "Scarpetta" delves beyond the crime scene, dissecting the psychological complexities of both perpetrators and investigators, and examining the profound toll of seeking justice at any cost.

Sarnoff's vision for "Scarpetta" unfolds across two compelling timelines. Viewers will journey with Kay Scarpetta (Kidman) from her early days as a Chief Medical Examiner in the late '90s to her present-day return to her hometown. Here, she resumes her former position while simultaneously investigating a gruesome new murder. This dual narrative will allow for a rich exploration of Scarpetta's personal and professional evolution, as she navigates complicated family relationships, confronts long-standing grudges, and unearths secrets that threaten to dismantle everything she has meticulously built.

The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast alongside Kidman. Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis will star as Scarpetta's sister, Dorothy Farinelli, adding a fraught dynamic to the narrative. Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale takes on the role of Detective Pete Marino, while Emmy nominee Simon Baker portrays FBI profiler Benton Wesley. Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose rounds out the main cast as Kay's tech-savvy niece, Lucy Watson.

Adding depth to the dual timeline, a talented group of actors will portray the past versions of the lead characters: Rosy McEwen as young Kay Scarpetta, Amanda Righetti as young Dorothy Farinelli, Jake Cannavale as young Pete Marino, and Hunter Parrish as young Benton Wesley.

"Scarpetta" is executive produced by a powerhouse team including Nicole Kidman and Per Saari through Blossom Films, Jamie Lee Curtis through Comet Pictures, Liz Sarnoff through Sarnoff TV, and author Patricia Cornwell herself through P & S Projects. They are joined by Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Chris McCumber through Blumhouse Television. David Gordon Green, who directed five episodes, also serves as executive producer alongside Amy Sayres.

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television in association with Blossom Films, Comet Pictures, and P&S Projects, "Scarpetta" is poised to be a must-watch event. 

Fans can mark their calendars for March 11, 2026, when the series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, finally bringing Cornwell's iconic forensic pathologist to vivid life on screen.

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