Amazon MGM Studios is working on a TV adaptation of Iain M. Banks’ science fiction novel Consider Phlebas. The book is part of Banks’ Culture series, which explores a post-scarcity society set in space.

The show will follow the story of two characters caught in a galactic war: Horza, a mercenary, and Balveda, a special agent from the utopian Culture. They both chase after a sentient AI, with the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance.

Charles Yu, known for Interior Chinatown, is the writer and executive producer of the series. He’ll work alongside Chloé Zhao, who is also executive producing through her company Books of Shadows. Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner from Plan B Entertainment, along with Adele Banks, are also on board as executive producers.

Amazon first started developing the show six years ago, and at around the same time, it was investing heavily in sci-fi...