In arguably the most high-profile TV project to involve film stars since Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson were cast in True Detective, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon are to star in a darkly comedic limited series as kindergarten mothers.

David E Kelley is writing Big Little Lies from Australian author Liane Moriarty’s darkly comedic novel about three mothers of kindergarten children who become embroiled in a murder-mystery during a fundraiser.

The project will shortly go out to networks and streaming services in what looks likely to spark a furious bidding war.

The ubiquitous Witherspoon’s Pacific Standard and Kidman’s Blossom Films optioned film and TV rights earlier this year as a starring vehicle.

The pair will also produce alongside Pacific Standard partner Bruna Papandrea and Blossom partner Per Saari.