USA Network has picked up Ryan Phillippe drama “Shooter” to series, Variety has learned.
Phillippe produces and stars as Bob Lee Swagger, an expert marksman living in exile who is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the president. Omar Epps plays Isaac Johnson, an ex-Marine and Swagger’s former commanding officer. Now a Secret Service Agent, he solicits Swagger’s expertise for a clandestine operation that has disastrous results.
The show, based on the bestselling Stephen Hunter novel “Point of Impact” and the 2007 film starring Mark Wahlberg, hails from Paramount Television and Universal Cable Productions. Executive producers are Wahlberg, of Closest to the Hole Productions; Stephen Levinson, of Leverage Entertainment; and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. John Hlavin wrote the pilot and will also executive produce, and Simon Cellan Jones directed the pilot.
“‘Shooter’ is an uncompromising exploration of the definition and evolution of a hero,” said Jackie de Crinis, EVP of Original Programming, USA Network. “The conspiracy and drama that unfolded throughout the first hour had us completely immersed, and we look forward to more.”
“USA is the perfect home for ‘Shooter,’” said Amy Powell, President, Paramount Television. “Stephen Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger is a heroic, iconic character and there is so much more of his story to explore in series. This incredible group of producers and actors bring our vision to the next level; we couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Mark, Ryan, Stephen, John, and Universal Cable Productions to take audiences on an exciting journey.”
USA recently gave a series pick-up to Gale Anne Hurd-produced drama “Falling Water.” Pilots still in contention at the network include “Brooklyn Animal Control,” a co-production between Universal Cable Productions and IDW Entertainment; and “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” from Legendary and UCP.
