We like how unpredictable David Cronenberg is becoming in his middle-age. Once the king of body horror, he surprised us all with the (actually rather good) A Dangerous Method last year – not a pulsing intestine or greasy liver to be seen – and now it looks like he’s turning his hand to TV. Videodrome? Maybe not…

According to Twitch Film, Cronenberg has signed on as executive producer for the new Media Rights Capital backed television series Knifeman – a series that will explore the trials and tribulations of a self-taught surgeon. Yep. It’s actually based on a biography of 16th century British surgeon John Burley, who pioneered many surgical practises we still hold today (like, you know, actually washing your hands between operations and such). Burley was known for his obsession with every aspect of the human body, from the horrible stenches to the strange juices to lovely tumours – we literally cannot think of a better fit than the similarly interested director of films such as eXistenZ, The Fly and, of course, Videodrome.

Cronenberg will also direct the pilot of the show, with Spiderman‘s Sam Raimi helping out on the producing side of things. No broadcaster has yet been announced, but with a team and a concept like this, it’s only a matter of time.