Life star Damian Lewis Finds Showtime’s ‘Homeland’
The former star of ‘Life’ will headline Showtime’s newest drama pilot. Former “24” executive producer Howard Gordon’s highly anticipated Showtime pilot has found its leading man.
Deadline is reporting that Damian Lewis has been signed to play Scott Brody, a Marine Sergeant who was taken prisoner during the Iraqi war and subsequently disappeared. Eight years later, Brody is recovered from an enemy safe house in Afghanistan and hailed as a hero upon his return home. But as he begins his ascent into a political career, a CIA officer is tipped off that Brody may have been turned into the enemy’s ultimate sleeper agent.
Lewis is best known for his starring role in NBC’s “Life” as Detective Charlie Crews. He also had memorable appearances in “Band of Brothers,” “Dreamcatcher,” “The Forsyte Saga,” “The Escapist” and “Keane.”
Claire Danes has previously been announced as co-starring in “Homeland” as Carrie Anderson, the CIA officer who attempts to prove her suspicions about Brody’s return. Laura Fraser will play Brody’s wife, Jessica, with David Harewood (“Blood Diamond”) as David Estes, the CIA’s youngest Deputy Director of Intelligence who butts heads with Anderson about her ongoing investigation of Brody.
Mandy Patinkin (“Chicago Hope”) is also signed to play CIA Division Chief emeritus Saul Berenson, who is one of Anderson’s most loyal friends in the CIA. Patinkin previously co-starred in “Dead Like Me” on Showtime and this will be his first TV series role since he abruptly left “Criminal Minds” after two seasons.
“Homeland” is based upon the Israeli series “Hatufim” (aka “Prisoners of War”) and was adapted for Showtime by Gordon, Alex Gansa and the creator of “Hatufim,” Gideon Raff. Michael Cuesta (“Dexter“) will direct the pilot episode with Avi Nir and Ron Telem also attached as executive producers.
