Deadline — Oscar-winning Gladiator co-writer/producer David Franzoni has come on mcdermottmaggieqboard to write and produce Red Flag, a Chinese history-themed adventure series starring Maggie Q, from Steven Jensen’s Independent Television Group, Mike Medavoy & Benjamin Anderson of Phoenix Pictures, and Fred Fuchs. Maggie Q’s Stalker co-star and real-life fiancé Dylan McDermott may reunite with her onscreen, possibly taking on a recurring role in the series.

Set in the early 1800s, Red Flag centers on Ching Shih (Maggie Q), a beautiful young Chinese prostitute who goes on to become one of history’s most powerful pirates and head of the most successful crime syndicate in Canton China. With over 100,000 sailors and 1500-plus vessels, Ching controlled the South China Sea while taking on the Imperial Chinese navy, the Portuguese navy, and the all-powerful British navy to eventually conquer them all.

McDermott would play Mason, an American Revolutionary. Francois Arnaud was recently cast as the male lead Carlito, the Portuguese sailor and bounty hunter engaged to hunt down and capture Ching Shih who becomes her lover.

Producers have begun pitching premium cable and digital networks with an eye to start production this fall in Malaysia.

In addition to completing 20 episodes of Kevin Williamson’s CBS drama series Stalker alongside McDermott, Maggie Q also recently wrapped Allegiant, the third installment of the Divergent series for Lionsgate.

Franzoni is repped by Paradigm; McDermott by CAA.