Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to television in a big way.
The actor, also known as Iron Man, has wanted to do a ‘Perry Mason’ project for a while, going so far as setting up a film deal with Warner Bros. in 2011. Although that project never took off, Variety is reporting that Downey Jr. and True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto are in talks to develop a drama series based on the fictional defense lawyer, building on the original idea for a movie reboot.
Pizzolatto is attached to write for the series while Downey Jr. is attached to star. Both will serve as executive producers of the series along with Downey Jr.’s producing partner and wife, Susan Downey of Team Downey. Sources say the project has been developing at HBO since May and that it will be a series rather than a TV movie.
This is good news for Pizzolatto as season 3 of his True Detective creation is still up in the air following a disappointing second season that couldn’t match its lauded predecessor. It keeps the filmmaker at the prestigious HBO and gives him another chance to showcase his talent. He has a deal with HBO that lasts through 2018.
As for Downey Jr., this project gives him his first starring role on television, despite some work on Ally McBeal and his infamous short stint on Saturday Night Live.
Perry Mason, starring Raymond Burr, ran on CBS from 1957 to 1966. HBO and reps for both Pizzolatto and Downey Jr. declined to comment on the new incarnation.
from Nerd Reactor
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