HBO Adapts 'The Art of Fielding' for New Drama Series

The creative minds at HBO have teamed up with executive producer Scott Rudin to adapt Chad Harbach's The Art of Fielding (Sept. 7, 2011; Little, Brown and Company) into an HBO drama series, according to Variety. Rudin, who is well known for producing such films as The Queen, The Social Network and the soon-to-be blockbusters, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Dictator, will be the show's executive producer.

Harbach's novel narrates the struggles of youth, love, friendship and commitment -- and a tough game of baseball -- as we discover how the lives of five people can be turned upside down, threatened, devastated and renewed. The plot surrounds Henry Skrimshander, Westish College's star athlete, and Owen Dunne, his gay roommate and teammate.

No names have been released yet for the roles, but Harbach has been brought in as creative producer so at least we can expect an honest adaptation. On that note, let's hope they keep the gay subplot because I'm already starting to fantasize about which actor they choose to play Owen Dunne.

--BRENT RAMSEY

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