TNT orders 'Snowpiercer' series starring Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs

Feb. 24 (UPI) -- TNT says it has ordered a first season of the futuristic thriller Snowpiercer, starring Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs and Mickey Sumner.

"Set seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity, who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually-moving train that circles the globe," a synopsis said. "Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival are questioned in this riveting television adaptation" of the 2014 film.

The pilot for the show was directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Josh Friedman. Its cast also includes Susan Park, Benjamin Haigh, Sasha Frolova, Katie McGuinness, Alison Wright, Annalise Basso, Sam Otto, Roberto Urbina, Sheila Vand and Lena Hall.

Among the producers on the project are the original movie's writer-director Bong Joon Ho, and producers Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi.

"I'm a personal fan of Bong Joon Ho's epic film, and jumped at the chance to honor his original vision, yet expand upon the world and characters with a diverse, award-winning cast," Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT, said in a statement. "Science-fiction is the perfect genre to examine issues of race, class, gender and natural resources with thought-provoking and exciting storytelling. Snowpiercer will explore those relevant issues while embarking on a wild, action-filled ride."