Last movies

This is a hot TV package that is yet to hit the marketplace but already has the town buzzing. I’ve learned that David O. Russell is behind a drama series project, which has Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Julianne Moore attached to star. Details about the show are sketchy, but I hear it is a crime/cop thriller that might be set in the 1990s. It is unclear whether it would be a regular or limited series, but I hear it is designed to run multiple seasons. I hear the show is targeting cable networks and streaming services. With the auspices involved, it is expected to net a series order. In fact, I hear that offers for big commitments are being solicited prior to the pitch going out, which is very rare for a TV series. It underscores just how competitive the current television landscape is, especially when A-list feature talent is involved. For Russell’s project, that also includes Megan Ellison of Annapurna Pictures, which produced Russell’s features American Hustle and Joy, Alexandra Milchan and Scott Lambert, who all serve as producers on the series. Once a rarity, now it is not that unusual for top feature actors to headline TV series, especially for a premium cable or streaming network. HBO landed True Detective, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, and recently Sharp Objects with Amy Adams, while Netflix nabbed Maniac with Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. This marks the latest collaboration between Russell and De Niro, who starred in the Oscar-nominated filmmaker’s Silver Linings Playbook and Joy. De Niro next portrays disgraced financier Bernie Madoff in the HBO movie Wizard of Lies directed by Barry Levinson. Moore stars in Todd Haynes’ upcoming film Wonderstruck. De Niro, Moore and Russell are repped by CAA.