Jeff Daniels has found his next challenging role.
The actor is set to star as former FBI Director James Comey in a four-hour CBS Studios event miniseries based on Comey’s bestselling book, “A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership.” In addition, Brendan Gleeson has been cast as President Donald Trump.
Comey was dismissed from his FBI role in May, 2017, after President Trump took objection to Comey’s handling of the investigation into Hilary Clinton’s emails. Comey famously learned of his dismissal from TV news reports that played in the background in the middle of his speech to agents at a Los Angeles field office. The series will likely deal with President Trump in some form as Comey’s book, published in April, 2018, discusses his relationship with the President among other issues.
“Captain Phillips” screenwriter Billy Ray has adapted the book and will be directing the as-yet-untitled series, which is executive produced by Alex Kurtzman, Shane Salerno and Heather Kadin. The drama is slated to being production in November, 2019 with an airdate to be announced at a later date. CBS Studios has yet to determine whether the series will air on Showtime, CBS Access or both.
“Jeff is so perfect for this part. Great actor, instant integrity, loads of warmth, intelligence, complexity and gravitas. We talked backstage after I saw him in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ on Broadway, and I knew I was looking at the only person who could play Jim Comey. Lucky for me, he said yes,” said Ray of Daniels’ casting.
The miniseries will be produced by Secret Hideout, The Story Factory and Home Run Productions in association with CBS TTV Studios.
Daniels is represented by ICM Partners, Martino Management and Rogers & Cowan.