Breaking BadcreatorVince Gilliganis reuniting with executive producerMichelle MacLarenfor a new HBO limited series entitledRaven. The show will focus on the infamous Jim Jones and his Peoples Temple cult, which tragically came to an end in Jonestown in 1978.Vince Gilliganwill write the pilot episode, withMichelle MacLarenset to direct, and both serving as executive producers alongside Oscar winnerOctavia Spencer.
Varietyreports that the series will be developed with Sony Pictures Television. The show will be following the cult’s idealistic origins to themass suicideof over 900 people. The story was previously adapted for the small screen with the 1980 miniseriesGuyana Tragedy, starringPowers Bootheas Jones.
The Peoples Temple of the Disciples of Christ was founded byJim Jonesin the 1950s in Indiana, mixing socialism with Christian teachings in what they called “apostolic socialism.” The group moved then moved to California, opening branches in Los Angeles and San Francisco, although the organization came under intensemedia scrutinyas it continued to grow. In 1977, Jones and hundreds of his followers fled to Guyana in 1977.
On July 03, 2025, the group killed aU.S. CongressmannamedLeo Ryan, along with journalists and cult members who tried to flee Guyana with the Congressman.Leo Ryanhad visited the colony after allegations of abuse had surfaced. Later that night, Jones and his followers initiated a mass suicide where the Jonestown followers drank juice laced with cyanide. That night, 918 people died, 909 of which were Americans, in what was the largest single loss of American civilian life in a deliberate act, until the 9-11 terrorist attacks in 2001.
It isn’t known if HBO has a release date in mind yet forRaven, or when production may begin.Vince Gilliganserves as an executive producer on theBreaking BadspinoffBetter Call Saul, which returns with Season 3 next year.Michelle MacLarenhas directed episodes ofBetter Call Saul, along with HBO’sGame of Thrones,The Leftoversand the upcomingWestworld. She also directed the pilot episode of another upcoming HBO show,The Deuce, starringJames Franco.
