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Paul McAuley’s SF tale Austral is heading to television.

Variety is reporting that the novel is being adapted by Circle of Confusion and ITV’s Big Talk Productions,

The story set in Antarctica during the year 2098, decades after the melting glaciers have given way to a new frontier of resource-rich land, and a generation of settlers from all around the dying world have converged there. But for Austral Ferrado, one of a number of “huskies,” or people who have been gene-edited to better withstand the still-unforgiving climate of the far south, this new Antarctica is no paradise. Trapped in a society that has imprisoned her and treated her kind more as animals than humans, Austral will stop at nothing to gain her freedom.

Elise McCredie will adapt the novel, with Erik Skjoldbjaerg directing. Filming is set to take place in Norway.

“‘Austral’ truly is a story for our times. It tackles climate change, prejudice and the abuse of power in a boldly compelling vision of the future. We’re incredibly excited to be working with two world-class talents, Elise McCredie and Erik Skjoldbjaerg, to bring Paul McAuley’s thrilling book to the screen,” Luke Alkin, executive producer, Big Talk Productions explained.

“Under ITV Studios’ global umbrella, we’ve been able to assemble a truly international team of storytellers to bring Paul McAuley’s brilliant novel to television,” added Russ Buchholz, executive VP and head of creative affairs, Circle of Confusion Television Studios. “‘Austral’ will captivate audiences worldwide as we follow her adrenaline-fueled journey and uncover this powerful story of survival, family legacy and the cost of freedom.”