Adam McKayhas castJason ClarkeasJerry Westin HBO’s hour-long drama pilotShowtime, which examines the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty of the 1980s, Collider has learned.
Showtime is based onJeff Pearlman’s non-fiction book of the same name, which chronicles the professional and personal lives of the Showtime-era Lakers – a team that defined its era, both on and off the court. In addition to West, key characters includeDr.Jerry Buss, coachPat Riley,and All-Star players likeMagic Johnson,Kareem Abdul-JabbarandJames Worthy. There aren’t many established Hollywood stars who are 7-feet tall, so McKay will be forced to cast either newcomers, shorter actors, or retired NBA players as the Lakers.
Per HBO, Jerry West is the cantankerous tortured genius of basketball who ought to be the perfect man to build the Lakers into a dynasty, if only he can get past his own worst enemy – himself.
McKay will direct the pilot and executive produce alongsideKevin Messickunder McKay’s new, yet-to-be-named company.Max Borensteinwill serve as writer and executive producer, whileJim Hechtwill serve as co-writer and executive producer.Jason Shumanrounds out the EP team. Additional casting is under way, and McKay is expected to start shooting the pilot in September.
Clarke just worked with HBO, as he stars oppositeHelen Mirrenin the network’s upcomingCatherine the Greatminiseries, which will premiere in the fall. He also recently wrappedAntonio Campos' star-studded thrillerThe Devil All the Timefor Netflix, as well as the indie movieSilk RoadwithNick Robinson.
Clarke broke out inKathryn Bigelow’s Oscar-nominated thrillerZero Dark Thirtybefore going on to play John Connor inTerminator GenisysandTed KennedyinJohn Curran’s acclaimed dramaChappaquiddick. His other major feature credits includeDamien Chazelle’sFirst ManandDee Rees’Mudbound. He’s represented by WME, Robert Stein Management and attorney Carlos Goodman.
