AMC Networks streamer, Sundance Now, has commissioned new, three-part documentary limited series, Wasp Woman: Murder of a Cult Queen. Embankment Films and Smoking Bear Productions will soon lead production on this captivating case which tells the true story of Hollywood actress Susan Cabot, known for her many leading roles in “B” movies, found bludgeoned to death in her LA mansion, setting off a shocking chain of events that exposes a state-sponsored human experiment gone horribly wrong.
The Sundance Now Original docuseries, set to air in 2025, is an explosive, true-crime investigation into the stranger-than-fiction killing of the cult movie queen, and son, Timothy Scott Roman, born with dwarfism, who was accused of murdering her. What unravels is a dark tale of Hollywood through the years and an eerie, sci-fi experiment that’s straight out of Cabot’s most notorious movie, The Wasp Woman. It transpires that Timothy was the subject of a U.S. government experiment – where over 700 children were injected twice-daily with an untested hormonal treatment in a bid to reverse their dwarfism. Those who survived were scarred for life.
Shannon Cooper of Sundance Now said, “To say this story is layered would be an understatement. The twists and turns from start to finish are highly unpredictable and will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. We’re elated to bring this docuseries to the Sundance Now audience who appreciate complex, detailed and elevated storytelling. We’re thankful to Embankment, Smoking Bear, Sphere Abacus and the series creators for bringing this deserving story to the screen.”
Jonathan Ford of Sphere Abacus commented, “Both Embankment Films and Smoking Bear are adept at recreating true crime at its best. We are very pleased to be part of the retelling of this fascinating and largely unknown story which will are sure will intrigue audiences around the world. We look forward to offering the series to our clients in Cannes next month.”
Rubika Shah (White Riot) directs, Embankment’s Nick Taussig (Audrey, McQueen, Call Me Kate) and Smoking Bear’s Ed Gibbs (White Riot) produce.
Sphere Abacus, overseeing international sales, will launch the series at MIPCOM. Sundance Now hold exclusive rights to the series in the U.S. and Canada.
