After dipping a toe into genre waters with the new supernatural drama Salem, WGN is prepping a full-fledged sci-fi series based on an award-winning short story.

The network, along with Gaumont Intl. Television, has placed a script order for Radiant Doors, a new series that would be based on Michael Swanwick’s short story of the same name. The short follows a camp filled with refugees who arrive through portals from a mysterious, dystopian future.

The Hugo Award-winning story is framed around a present-day woman named Virginia, who works in the camp and is given a future device that she attempts to hide from the corrupt bureaucrats above her, for fear she’ll help that evil future come to pass. It’s a compelling little tale, and could be a great jumping-off point for a series.

To their credit, WGN is eyeing some high-level talent behind the scenes, with Fast & Furious 6 director Justin Lin attached to direct, with the script being handled by Jeremy Doner (The Killing).

Gaumont Intl. Television CEO Katie O’Connell noted that the series came about after the team was “captivated” by the short story and its “transcendent themes.” This is a unique spin for a sci-fi series, and this is a project we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on.

What do you think? Could a Radiant Doors series work?

(Via Variety)