HBO and Fox 21 are developing the serial killer drama series "Mind Hunter" along with acclaimed director David Fincher and actress Charlize Theron.

Fox 21, the alternative arm of 20th Century Fox TV, optioned the book "Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit," by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker.

As a FBI investigator of serial killers and rapists, Douglas chronicles his experiences and profiling techniques in the book, combining the best of nonfiction with that of a murder mystery.

Scott Buck, an executive producer on Showtime's "Dexter," will pen the pilot. Fincher, Theron, Buck and Jennifer Orme Erwin will executive produce.

Erwin introduced the project to Theron, who set it in motion at Fox 21; "Mind Hunter" marks Fox 21's first project for HBO.

Having directed such films as 1995's "Seven" and 2007's "Zodiac," Fincher brings a respected and complementary resume to the serial killer series.