New Hulu series Dopesick, starring Michael Keaton, to film in Virginia

Streaming giant Hulu is set to film an eight-episode limited series called Dopesick in Central Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Roanoke regions, including Clifton Forge, this winter.

Developed by writer and executive producer Danny Strong, Dopesick is inspired by Virginia author Beth Macy’s bestselling book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America,

Oscar-nominated actor Michael Keaton (Birdman, Spotlight) will executive produce and star alongside Peter Sarsgaard (Jackie, An Education), Rosario Dawson (Rent, Luke Cage) and Kaitlyn Dever (Unbelievable, Booksmart).

Barry Levinson (Rain Man) is set to direct the project with executive producers Strong, Keaton, Warren Littlefield (The Handmaid’s Tale), Karen Rosenfelt (Twilight), John Goldwyn (Dexter), and Touchstone Television.

The production will be required to adhere to comprehensive industry health and safety protocols, including enforced testing regimens, a zone-based system, and diligent use of personal protective equipment. These safety measures are in addition to the current Virginia pandemic workplace safety guidelines and those required by Touchstone Television. 

Announcing the news, governor Ralph Northam said: “Virginia continues to be a premier production hub for filmmakers seeking an authentic, film-friendly environment and a home away from home.

“It is wonderful to see this story from a Virginia author transformed from page to screen right here in our Commonwealth. We are honored to host the impressive team behind this compelling and consequential project, and to play a role in putting a universal spotlight on the opioid epidemic that continues to devastate American families and communities from all walks of life.”

Virginia has proven to be a popular filming location in recent years, hosting the likes of Blumhouse Television’s series, The Good Lord Bird, starring Ethan Hawke, AMC’s Walking Dead spin-off, Apple’s web series Swagger, and the seventh series of Homeland.