The Chicago World’s Fair – also known as the World’s Columbian Exposition – was one of the most significant events of the late 19th century. From May through October 1893, the already busy streets of Chicago swelled with the presence of millions of eager tourists as the world’s fair drew travelers from across the world. The fair’s director of works, Daniel Burnham, worked tirelessly to develop awe-inspiring architecture and sculpture works. His efforts would pay off as Chicago’s masterful execution of the World’s Fair would become burned into the historical memory of America to this very day.

Meanwhile, a much more gruesome passion fueled the exploits of one of the nation’s most notorious serial killers, H.H. Holmes. Taking advantage of the sudden influx of naive tourists, Holmes turned the streets of Chicago into his personal hunting ground. Though the true number of Holmes’ victims remains unknown, some estimates put the body count as high as 200.

These are the two parallel stories at the center of Erik Larson’s 2003 New York Times bestseller, The Devil in the White City. Hulu’s attempt at developing this gripping tale of passions, both admirable and sadistic, continues to hit frustrating setbacks. Keanu Reeves was set to take on the leading role of Daniel Burnham but suddenly backed out of the project last week. In the wake of Reeves’ exit, the limited series has now lost its director, Todd Field.

Despite these unfortunate departures, it’s only a matter of time before The Devil in the White City finally makes its debut on Hulu’s stage. The historical nature and gripping narrative of the subject matter make the story a no-brainer for Hollywood, if not a very likely Oscar-worthy contender. Just as the attractions and exhibits stunned visitors over a hundred years ago, audiences are sure to be wowed by the majesty and spectacle of the Chicago World’s Fair.

Here are some of the fair’s most impressive offerings we hope to see featured.

The Original Ferris Wheel

     Public Domain

No carnival or state fair would be complete without the dependable inclusion of the Ferris Wheel. Designed and built by George Ferris, the original Ferris Wheel made its debut at the 1903 World’s Columbian Exposition. Standing an impressive 264 feet tall, the massive ride seemed impossibly large to the fair’s visitors. The Ferris Wheel had 36 individual cars, each of which could hold 40 people. In total, that means over 1,400 visitors could enjoy the breathtaking experience at a time!

Expect at least a few scenes in The Devil in the White City to take place upon this impressive marvel of the 19th century.

The Midway

Sideshow attractions have been a common sight at fairs and carnivals since time immemorial. Yet, we can specifically thank the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair for creating the concept of the midway. For the first time, the lively spectacle of the various carnival games and exotic attractions was separated from the more serious and scientific offerings of the exhibition areas. The midway was filled with carnival rides, food vendors, and inhabited “villages” that claimed to show off authentic cultures from around the world.

With all of its variety and color, the first midway at the Chicago World’s fair would make for a great location to feature a dynamic chase scene in the upcoming Hulu series.

War of the Currents

     Lantern Entertainment

It is easy to take the world-changing implications of electrically generated light foregranted in this day of iPhones and high-speed internet. When the lights first illuminated over the world’s fair, however, attendants were shocked at the wondrous display of technological progress. After a fierce battle between Thomas Edison’s General Electric and Edison’s Westinghouse – aptly named the War of the Currents – alternating current won the day and the envious right to provide light for the event of the decade.

Though The Devil in the White City probably won’t spend much time on the War of the Currents, the parallel feud between the two genius inventors will surely receive a few mentions.

The White City

Designed in the fashion of neoclassical architecture, the towering and majestic heights of The White City gave the impression of entering another world. A mixture of plaster, cement, and jute fibers was used to create the facade of stone while also giving the buildings their iconic glow.

The White City, a cheap construction hidden behind a beautiful facade, provides the perfect metaphor for the unfolding drama of The Devil in the White City. On the surface, the World’s Fair presented a wondrous vision of a more dignified and advanced future. Yet, beneath the thin veneer, monsters lurked in the shadows waiting to prey upon the unfortunate who crossed their path.

On its own, The Devil in the White City is a captivating story of two men on an obsessive mission to fulfill their passions. What makes the story all the more engaging is that it is true. When the series finally releases, audiences can expect to be wowed by the spectacle of the Chicago World’s Fair while also learning a thing or two about 19th-century history.