Deschanel’s HBO Adaptation Of The Groupie Memoir ‘I’m With The Band’ No Longer Happening
Two directors who had some decently performing movies (though not outright blockbusters) last summer will be making a detour to the small screen before locking in their next feature project.
First up, Deadline reveals that James Mangold (“Knight And Day“) will direct the pilot episode of the cop drama “Rookies” for CBS. Written by Richard Price (“Clockers,” “The Color Of Money“) the show will center on “six NYPD rookies who balance their personal lives with learning the beat on the streets of Manhattan.” The program is being produced by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal under their Tribeca production shingle, and De Niro approached Mangold for the gig, apparently pleased with helmer after working with him on “Cop Land.” This isn’t Mangold’s first foray into television as he previously directed the pilot of the now cancelled dramedy series “Men In Trees.” Another cop drama on television? Spare us, please.
Meanwhile, Phillip Noyce will get behind the camera for ABC‘s “Revenge.” Not unlike “Salt,” the series will center on ass-kicking Emily Thorn, “a mysterious young woman who comes to the Hamptons to exact revenge on the people who destroyed her family.” The show comes from writer Mike Kelley who has “Swingtown” and “Providence” among his credits. Noyce, too, is not a complete stranger to TV as he directed pilots for “Brotherhood” and “Tru Calling” and most recently helmed an episode of the forthcoming HBO horse-racing world drama “Luck” with Dustin Hoffman. Sounds interesting but female-centered action series’ on TV have a mixed track record and unless this is something truly special we’d be surprised if it lasts very long.
Finally, movement continues on Liz Meriwether‘s Fox sitcom formerly known as “Chicks With Dicks.” Like Meriwether’s “No Strings Attached,” the show will focus on the sexual mores of men and women. Zooey Deschanel is in talks for the lead role of Jessica, “an optimistic but unlucky in love elementary school teacher who, after her most recent break-up, moves out of her apartment with her ex and moves in with 3 juvenile guys.” Worst. Decision. Ever. We presume this means the show will entirely revolve around the guys trying to bed Jessica and learning something about women along the way. Also noted within Deadline’s update is the news that Deschanel’s adaptation of the groupie memoir “I’m With The Band” which she was lined up to executive produce and possibly star in for HBO, is no longer moving forward. Bummer.