Scott Speedman will play the title role in ABC‘s “RJ Decker” pilot, Variety has confirmed.
The one-hour drama pilot is based on Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel “Double Whammy.” The pilot order was originally announced in May.
The official logline for the series states:
“RJ Decker, disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con, starts over as a private investigator in the colorful-if-crime-filled world of South Florida, tackling cases that range from slightly odd to outright bizarre with the help of his journalist ex, her police detective wife, and a shadowy new benefactor, a woman from his past who could be his greatest ally… or his one-way ticket back to prison.”
The role keeps Speedman in business with ABC, as he has been recurring on the broadcaster’s hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” since that show’s 18th season after originally appearing in the 14th. Speedman’s other recent TV roles include the Peacock series “Teacup”, “You” at Netflix, and the TNT drama “Animal Kingdom.” He broke out with his role in “Felicity” early in his career. His film credits include the “Underworld” franchise as well as features like “The Strangers,” “Dark Blue,” and “XXX: State of the Union.”
He is repped by CAA, Untitled Entertainment and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
The pilot hails from writer and executive producer Rob Doherty, with Paul McGuigan attached to direct and executive produce. Hiaasen is also executive producing along with Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman of Timberman/Beverly Productions. 20th Television is the studio.
This marks the latest attempt to adapt a Hiaasen novel for television in recent years. Apple TV+ currently has the series “Bad Monkey” starring Vince Vaughn from Bill Lawrence, based on Hiaasen’s novel of the same name. The show was renewed for a second season in December. Variety exclusively reported in March that Lawrence is also developing Hiaasen’s novel “Skinny Dip” at Max with Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis.
Deadline first reported Speedman’s casting.
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