AceShowbiz -

The CW is bringing "The Illusionist" to television. The network is adapting the 2006 period drama film written and directed by Neil Burger into a TV series with former "True Blood" showrunner Mark Hudis tapped to pen the script.

The original work is set in 1889 Vienna and stars Edward Norton as a magician who uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman (Jessica Biel) far above his social standing. The movie itself is based on Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist".

The TV adaptation will take place in turn-of-the-century New York and follow a renowned illusionist who returns home from a decade in prison to find his wife married to the ruthless crime boss who framed him. Posing as an underling in the crime boss' own organization, the illusionist uses cunning magic to pull off elaborate heists, rising quickly through the organization in order to take down the boss from the inside and win back his one true love.

Hudis will executive produce the show along with Bob Yari, Ben Silverman and David Clark.

The CW currently has a period drama, "Reign", in its line-up.