Scarpetta is a brilliant and beautiful forensic pathologist who is the protagonist in a beloved series of crime novels. Inspired by former VirginiaChief Medical ExaminerMarcella Farinelli Fierro MD (retired), she employs advanced forensic technology to unravel mysteries and solve crimes. Throughout the series, Scarpetta, of Italian descent, navigates her investigative journey across various settings, including Florida, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina.[3][4]
In June 2021, it was reported that a television series adaptation of novel series is in development from Comet Pictures, a production company owned by Jamie Lee Curtis and Blumhouse Television.[8][9][10] Patricia Cornwell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold and Chris Dickie would serve as the show's executive producers.[8]
In February 2023, it was announced that Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis would join the cast and also serve as executive producers on the show.[3][4] This marked the first instance of Scarpetta's transition from page to screen despite numerous prior attempts.[11][12] Initially, in 1992, Demi Moore was briefly associated with the Scarpetta character, while Angelina Jolie was contemplating a big-screen franchise based on the role in 2009.[13][14][15] A two-season order, each consisting of eight episodes, was anticipated for the series.[16] At the beginning, when the project was announced, no showrunner was attached.[17][18] However, it was later confirmed that Liz Sarnoff would step in as the series' writer and showrunner.[3]David Gordon Green and Amy Sayres also served as executive producers.[19]
Although the series was initially announced as Kay Scarpetta, the title was changed to Scarpetta when the casting updates were revealed.[2][20]David Gordon Green was reported to be directing the first two episodes.[21]
Filming was originally scheduled to begin in Nashville in September 2024[23] but was later postponed to October 2024.[24] The production crew was seen setting up to film at Little Hats Italian Market in Germantown, Nashville, Tennessee in November 2024, with notices posted around the neighborhood.[citation needed]
Fliers were passed out to neighbors in Old Hickory Village, northeast of downtown Nashville, announcing filming was taking place in early December 2024.
