HBO lands hot drama 'Imposter' from first-time writer Kalos Chu

HBO is developing Kalos Chu’s 'Imposter', a dark mystery drama with The Penguin creator Lauren LeFranc set to produce

HBO has acquired Imposter, a drama spec script by first-time screenwriter Kalos Chu, following a competitive bidding process involving several major studios.

The project, written and executive produced by Chu, will be developed at HBO with an option to move into a writers’ room. Lauren LeFranc, creator and showrunner of HBO’s The Penguin, is attached as an executive producer through her Acid and Tender Productions banner under her overall deal with the network.

Rachel Jacobs, LeFranc’s head of television and film, will also executive produce.

Imposter is described as a dark mystery centred on an outsider entering his freshman year at an elite university. Further details about the story and characters have not been revealed.

The deal marks Chu’s first professional writing credit. A 2023 graduate of Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English, Chu developed an interest in screenwriting during his studies.

Before selling Imposter, Chu gained experience through development and production internships at companies including Atlas Entertainment, Voltage Pictures, Day Zero Productions, Nickelodeon Animation and DreamWorks Animation. He also completed a physical production internship at Lucasfilm in 2022.

Following his graduation, Chu joined DreamWorks Animation as a feature development assistant. He spent the past two years working at the studio while writing Imposter in his spare time.

The script reportedly attracted 10 offers before the bidding was narrowed to HBO, Netflix and Amazon, with HBO ultimately securing the project for development.

Chu is now preparing to leave his position at DreamWorks Animation as he focuses on his screenwriting career. He is currently not represented by an agent, although that could change following the sale.

No casting or production details have been announced for Imposter.