The project is being developed at Universal Cable Productions, where Esmail's exact role in "Metropolis" is still being negotiated as the project is in the very early stage of development, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Like the original film, the small-screen adaptation will take place in a future society, where wealthy industrialists rule the vast city from high-rise tower complexes, while a lower class of underground-dwelling workers toil constantly to operate the machines that provide its power.
The series will be executive produced by Esmail and his manager, Chad Hamilton.