Story perspectives

A24 Acquires White Smoke; Cumberbatch to Star and Produce

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

A24 UK has acquired the rights to adapt Nick Brucker’s novel, *White Smoke*, into a TV series.
Benedict Cumberbatch will star and produce the series through his company, SunnyMarch.
The heist novel, set for publication in 2027, follows con men stealing treasures from the Vatican during a papal conclave.
The project sparked a competitive bidding process, highlighting Hollywood's trend of securing rights before publication.
Cumberbatch's involvement marks his return to television after the Netflix series *Eric*.

1 of 1

Story summary

A24 UK has acquired the rights to adapt Nick Brucker’s novel, *White Smoke*, into a TV series.
Benedict Cumberbatch will star and produce the series through his company, SunnyMarch.
The heist novel, set for publication in 2027, follows con men stealing treasures from the Vatican during a papal conclave.
The project sparked a competitive bidding process, highlighting Hollywood's trend of securing rights before publication.
Cumberbatch's involvement marks his return to television after the Netflix series *Eric*.