It’s been awhile since I’ve posted any kind of news, but I figured this was as good a reason as any to come out from the rock I’ve been hiding under.
Frank Darabont is bringing a passion of his to television: LA Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City, the novel (not the excellent 2011 video game that had an extra vowel in it) by John Buntin, is being developed by Darabont along with Michael De Luca (The Social Network, Moneyball) and Elliot Webb (Tall Time Tales) as a series for TNT. The novel focuses on the battle between Police Chief William Parker and gangster Mickey Cohen, as well as the rest of the West Coast mob in the 1940’s. From TNT’s press release:
“Noir is a passion of mine, so I feel blessed to delve into a project that speaks in the hardboiled vernacular,” said Darabont. “John Buntin’s superb book, though non-fiction, is our touchstone and inspiration for the stories we’ll be telling, weaving fiction throughout the facts and facts throughout the fiction. The book provides elements that are irresistible, a big canvas with endless possibilities. The goal is to deliver on the tone that the title L.A. Noir promises: a smart, gritty, authentic, period noir drama. Also a blessing is the warm welcome we’ve gotten from Michael Wright and TNT, a great bunch of folks with huge enthusiasm for the source material. The best bonus of all is getting to work with my friend Mike De Luca. He’s terrific, a tremendously smart and talented producer, a gem. Partnering with him on this marvelous project after knowing him for so many years is an absolute treat for me.”
Couldn’t be happier to hear this. After his somewhat public and unjustified shitcanning by AMC, this is clearly going to be a hell of a project to rebound with.
My vote for the lead: Thomas Jane. Coming off of Hung being cancelled, and considering his history with Darabont, this would be a match made in heaven. Make it happen, Frank.
(via IGN)