Media Rights Capital announced that director David Cronenberg will direct the pilot and serve as Executive Producer on its latest television series “Knifeman,” which marks his first foray into television. Cronenberg has directed such movies as Eastern Promises and The Fly. He recently wrapped filming on Cosmopolis, based on the Don De Lillo novel and starring Robert Pattinson, Paul Giamatti and Juliette Binoche, Deadline reported.

“Knifeman” is written by Emmy nominated writer and producer Rolin Jones (Friday Night Lights) with the story by Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald (Friday Night Lights).

Based on the novel by Wendy Moore, “Knifeman” follows the trials and triumphs of a radical, self-educated surgeon delivering a visceral and psychological portrait of the extraordinary and unorthodox lengths he will go to uncover the secrets of the human body.

This is the latest television series to come from MRC after “House of Cards”, from director and executive producer David Fincher and starring Kevin Spacey, debuts on Netflix in 2012.

“Knifeman” is produced by MRC with Executive Producers David Cronenberg, Rolin Jones, Ron Fitzgerald and Sam Raimi, Josh Donen and Robert Zotnowski of Stars Road. Sentient’s Renee Tab will serve as Co-Executive Producer.