La Llorona, the folklore legend that dates back almost 500 years, will be at the center of a new TV adaptation.
Genre fans are likely familiar with the ghost, who is sometimes referred to as The Crying Woman or The Wailer. She is the subject of the 2019 film The Curse of La Llorona, directed by Michael Chaves and produced by horror master James Wan. But even though the vengeful spirit has been a part of some seminal films and TV episodes, there’s one distinction that has eluded it.
That will soon change, as Deadline reports that Hulu is developing a TV show adaptation of the V. Castro novel The Haunting of Alejandra. The horror story, published in April 2023, focuses on a woman who’s stalked by La Llorna. The television version, described as a recurring series, will follow the same storyline.
Blending psychological horror with social commentary, The Haunting of Alejandra dives into supernatural Mexican mythology. It focuses on the titular Alejandra, a millennial lawyer who goes on maternity leave. But though she first suspects that she may be struggling with postpartum, she soon discovers that she is in a deadly fight with the famous La Llorona.
The history of La Llorona dates back to around 1550 in Mexico City, according to some tellings, although others connect the legend to Aztec mythology. In any case, the figure is generally said to reside near bodies of water. La Llorna mourns her children, after she drowned them in a rage, and anyone who hears her cries suffers varying misfortunes.
Despite the figure’s long history, which varies from one region to the next, La Llorna has never been the focus of an ongoing American live-action TV series. The horror legend has featured heavily in international dramas, animated adaptations, and the reality show Surviving La Llorona.
There have also been many notable movies and TV shows that include La Llorona as a supporting or minor presence. The debut episode of Supernatural, in 2005, features a monster inspired by La Llorona and played by Sarah Shahi. Riverdale also featured its take on the legend. The same is true for classic movies, such as David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive and the Pixar favorite Coco.
Steven Paul Martinez will write and executive-produce the Hulu original and 20th Television production alongside fellow executive producers Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego of Hyphenate Media Group, and Gigi Saul Guerrero and Raynor Shima of Luchagore. V. Castro, whose other novels include Maria the Wanted and Tejano Tales, will also be a producer on The Haunting of Alejandra.