U.S. network TNT has tapped Orphan Black co-creator Graeme Manson (pictured) to serve as showrunner on its sci-fi TV drama Snowpiercer.

Manson takes over showrunning duties from U.S. screenwriter Josh Friedman, who reportedly exited the series in January.

Produced by L.A.-based Tomorrow Studios and Turner-owned Studio T, along with Seoul, South Korea-based CJ Entertainment, the post-apocalyptic drama is set seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland. Starring Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind), Daveed Diggs (Hamilton), Mickey Sumner (American Made) and Alison Wright (The Accountant), the story “centres on the remnants of humanity who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually moving train that circles the globe.” It’s based on the South Korean-Czech sci-fi movie of the same name, directed by Bong Joon-ho.

“Graeme’s extensive background in the sci-fi genre coupled with his brilliant work behind Orphan Black made him the perfect choice for this series,” said Sarah Aubrey, EVP of original programming for TNT, in a statement. “He is the best conductor to navigate the thought-provoking and delicate themes of the series while bringing this frozen, futuristic world to life.”

Aside from Orphan Black, which ran for five seasons on Space and BBC America (2013-2017), Manson’s other writing credits include Flashpoint (CTV, CBS), Endgame (Showcase) and the 1997 sci-fi feature Cube. 

Snowpiercer is executive produced by Tomorrow Studios’ Marty Adelstein (Aquarius) and Becky Clements (Good Behavior). Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange) and the original film’s Bong Joon Ho, Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi are also executive producers on the series.