Adaptation of Tom Cooper’s ‘Florida Man’ in Development

Aiken, South Carolina, October 7, 2025

News Summary

Tom Cooper’s bestselling novel ‘Florida Man’ is being adapted into a limited series featuring Joel Edgerton. The series will explore the life of Reed Crowe, a middle-aged beach bum managing a motel and a quirky roadside attraction, while facing challenges like sinkholes. Cooper will also be an executive producer, along with Graham Gordy from ‘Quarry’. In addition, Cooper will be a featured speaker at the Oswald Distinguished Writers Series at USC Aiken.

Aiken, South Carolina – Tom Cooper’s bestselling novel “Florida Man,” published in 2020, is set to be adapted into a limited series featuring actor Joel Edgerton in the lead role. The adaptation is being developed by Anonymous Content, with Graham Gordy, co-creator of “Quarry,” on board as the writer and executive producer. Cooper will also serve as an executive producer for the series.

The television adaptation centers around Reed Crowe, a middle-aged beach bum who owns a motel and a quirky roadside attraction named the Florida Man Mystery House. Set on a small island at the edge of the Everglades, the series is described to explore the challenges faced by Crowe, particularly the threat posed by sinkholes to his business operations. The narrative promises an engaging mix of humor and depth, intertwining family history and artifacts discovered on Emerald Island.

In addition to the adaptation news, Cooper is scheduled to be the featured speaker at the Oswald Distinguished Writers Series at USC Aiken on October 7, 2025. The event will include a free public reading and a book signing session starting at 7:30 p.m.

Cooper’s first novel, “The Marauders,” published in 2015, examined the lives of community members who were ex-shrimpers grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. “The Marauders” received positive acclaim from readers and critics alike, with notable praise from Stephen King.

“Florida Man” introduces readers to Reed Crowe as he navigates peculiar incidents, such as leading tourists aboard the “SS Merman,” only to stumble upon bizarre discoveries like a human skull. Cooper’s vivid descriptions of the island setting, characterized by swamps and mangrove thickets, enhance the narrative’s allure.

Cooper is recognized for his contributions to grit lit, a sub-genre of Southern literature, and has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize. With the upcoming adaptation of “Florida Man,” he aims to present a unique perspective on the “Florida Man” stereotype, incorporating themes of humor and adventure.

The creative team behind the series adaptation, including Edgerton and others from Anonymous Content, is anticipated to bring Cooper’s vision to life on screen, attracting both fans of the novel and new audiences drawn to the story’s captivating premise.

Event Details

• Event: Oswald Distinguished Writers Series featuring Tom Cooper
• Date: October 7, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: USC Aiken
• Admission: Free public reading followed by book signing

Key Features of the Adaptation

FAQ

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Aiken Standard: Tom Cooper
• Deadline: Joel Edgerton Adapting Florida Man
• Miami Herald: Florida News
• Wikipedia: Tom Cooper (Author)
• Google Search: Tom Cooper Florida Man

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