A feature film director with two Academy Award nominations under his belt is working on a new TV series adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Deadline.com reports that Roland Joffe, who received Oscar nominations for best director for "The Killing Fields" in 1985 and "The Mission" in 1987, is writing "Ugly." Joffe is working with FremantleMedia International on the planned TV series.

The new production will look at what it means to be human, despite a person’s appearance. Set in early 17th century France, the project reflects another push into scripted drama by FremantleMedia, the piece notes. FremantleMedia North America earlier this year bought the rights to “American Gods,” a novel by Neil Gaiman.

Joffe is also slated to direct A+E Studios’ eight-hour miniseries “Texas Rising.”

Roland Joffe