Epix has set its third original scripted series, handing out a 10-episode order to Get Shorty, a reimagining of Elmore Leonard’s 1990 bestselling thriller comedy novel previously adapted by MGM with Barry Sonnefeld’s 1995 feature starring John Travolta, Danny DeVito, Gene Hackman and Rene Russo.
At Epix — a joint venture between Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM — the hourlong dark comedy series from MGM TV and Shameless executive producer Davey Holmes joins previously ordered Berlin Station, from Paramount TV, and Graves, from Lionsgate TV. The premium network said last year that it would launch its original scripted slate with three shows — one from each of the three studio partners. Comedy Graves and drama Berlin Station are set for a fall 2016 launch. Get Shorty will follow in summer 2017, with production slated to begin this fall. The three series will appear across Epix’s channels, Epix On Demand, Epix.com and TV Everywhere platforms.
Written by Holmes, Get Shorty centers on Miles Daly, who works as muscle for a murderous crime ring in Nevada. For the sake of his daughter, he attempts to change professions and become a movie producer, laundering money through a Hollywood film. But instead of leaving the criminal world behind, he accidentally brings it with him to Los Angeles.
“Davey has created a modern-day re-envisioning of Elmore Leonard’s timeless cult classic where organized crime and Hollywood collide in very funny ways,” said Mark Burnett and Steve Stark of MGM TV.
Added Epix president and CEO Mark S. Greenberg, “I had the pleasure of working with Elmore Leonard early in my career and I am a big fan of his writing. Davey Holmes is a tremendous talent and has created a fantastic new series that is in the spirit of Leonard’s unique brand of social satire and strong narrative voice.”
The 1995 Get Shorty movie was received well by critics and did well at the box office. Travolta won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor-Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and the film received a Globe nomination. It spawned a feature sequel, Be Cool, which came out in 2005.
Holmes’ series credits also include In Treatment, Damages and Pushing Daisies.
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