HBO Develops Mystery Drama ‘Imposter’ From Kalos Chu With ‘The Penguin’ Creator Lauren LeFranc Producing
HBO is developing the mystery drama “Imposter,” a spec script from first-time screenwriter Kalos Chu, with “The Penguin” creator Lauren LeFranc attached as executive producer.
HBO is moving forward with “Imposter,” a dark mystery drama from writer Kalos Chu, with The Penguin creator and showrunner Lauren LeFranc set to executive produce.
The project became the subject of a competitive bidding process after Chu’s spec script was taken out to the market earlier this month. According to reports, the project initially drew 10 offers before the competition narrowed to HBO, Netflix, and Amazon. HBO ultimately secured the project for development.
“Imposter” follows an outsider entering his freshman year at an elite university, though further plot details remain under wraps.
Kalos Chu Lands First Screenwriting Credit With ‘Imposter’
The project represents a major breakthrough for Chu, who is making his professional screenwriting debut with “Imposter.”
Chu graduated from Harvard University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in English. His path to Hollywood included development internships at companies including Atlas Entertainment, Voltage Pictures, Day Zero Productions, Nickelodeon Animation and DreamWorks Animation.
He also spent part of 2022 interning in physical production at Lucasfilm, an experience he previously described as a way to better understand the filmmaking process and the practical limitations writers face when developing screenplays.
After graduating from Harvard, Chu joined DreamWorks Animation as a feature development assistant. He spent his spare time writing “Imposter” while working at the studio.
With the HBO deal now in place, Chu is expected to leave his position at DreamWorks Animation as he moves forward with his screenwriting career.
Lauren LeFranc to Executive Produce
Lauren LeFranc will executive produce “Imposter” through her production banner Acid and Tender Productions, alongside Rachel Jacobs.
LeFranc is currently under an overall deal with HBO, making “Imposter” the first original project developed under that deal.
She is best known for creating and serving as showrunner on HBO’s acclaimed limited series “The Penguin,” the spinoff of Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman.
“The Penguin” starred Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb alongside Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz and Deirdre O’Connell. The series earned 24 Emmy nominations in 2025 and ultimately won nine awards, including a supporting actress win for Milioti.
Before “The Penguin,” LeFranc served as showrunner on the YouTube Premium series “Impulse.” Her other television credits include “Agents of SHIELD,” “Chuck” and “Hemlock Grove.”
‘Imposter’ Is Still in Development
Despite HBO landing the project, “Imposter” has not yet been ordered to series.
The current deal is for development, with the possibility of a writers’ room being established later. That means HBO will continue developing the concept before making a decision about whether to move forward with a full series order.
The project nevertheless marks a notable step for Chu, whose original screenplay generated substantial interest from several major streaming and television companies.
For HBO, the project also expands its relationship with LeFranc following the success of “The Penguin.”
What We Know About HBO’s ‘Imposter’
- Title: Imposter
- Genre: Dark mystery drama
- Writer: Kalos Chu
- Executive Producer: Lauren LeFranc
- Executive Producer: Rachel Jacobs
- Production: Acid and Tender Productions
- Network: HBO
- Status: In development
- Premise: An outsider begins his freshman year at an elite university
- Series Order: Not yet confirmed
Bottom line: HBO has acquired “Imposter” for development after a competitive bidding process, giving first-time screenwriter Kalos Chu a major Hollywood opportunity. With Lauren LeFranc, the creator of The Penguin, attached to produce, the project has also gained a strong HBO creative connection—but a full series order has not yet been announced.
