Nicole Kidman has stepped into the iconic literary character of Dr. Kay Scarpetta for her next series, Scarpetta.

In a first look from Prime Video at the forthcoming adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling novels (photos above and below), Kidman is seen starring in the forensic crime thriller that was developed and written for television by Liz Sarnoff (Barry, Lost). 

Scarpetta releases March 11, 2026. 

The series will unfold across two timelines, the dual narrative tracking Kay Scarpetta from her beginnings as a Chief Medical Examiner in the late ’90s to her present-day return to her hometown, where she resumes her former position while investigating a grisly murder.

Jamie Lee Curtis, , Simon Baker and Ariana DeBose round out the cast, along with Rosy McEwen, Amanda Righetti, Jake Cannavale and Hunter Parrish portraying younger versions of the characters.

Here’s the logline: “With skilled hands and an unnerving eye, unrelenting medical examiner Kay Scarpetta is determined to serve as the voice of the victims, unmask a serial killer and prove that her career-making case from 28 years prior isn’t also her undoing. Set against the backdrop of modern forensic investigation, the series delves beyond the crime scene to explore the psychological complexities of both perpetrators and investigators, creating a multi-layered thriller that examines the toll of pursuing justice at all costs. As Scarpetta pursues justice, she must navigate complicated relationships, including the fraught dynamic with her sister Dorothy Farinelli (Curtis), confront long-held professional and personal grudges, and face secrets that threaten to unravel everything she’s built.”

Over 120 million copies have been sold worldwide since the character’s debut in 1990. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television in association with Blossom Films, Comet Pictures, and P&S Projects. 

Scarpetta is executive produced by Kidman and Per Saari through Blossom Films, Curtis through Comet Pictures, writer and showrunner Sarnoff through Sarnoff TV, author Cornwell through P & S Projects, as well as Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Chris McCumber through Blumhouse Television. David Gordon Green directed five episodes and is executive producer alongside Amy Sayres.