Corey Hawkins will star in the pilot for “24: Legacy” — the “24” revival series in the works at Fox— Variety has learned.
The “Straight Outta Compton” alum has nabbed the leading role of Eric Carter in the pilot. As previously reported, the new “24” will not bring back Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer, so while Hawkins’ character is not a direct replacement, he will topline the potential series. (Sources tell Variety that while only a pilot has been ordered, “24: Legacy” is expected to land a 13-episode order.)
Described as strong and smart, Eric came from a very rough background and turned his life around in the Army Rangers. Now back home in Virginia with his wife Nicole (yet to be cast), he’s pulled back into action as his past comes looking for him.
Since his breakout role as Dr. Dre in “Straight Outta Compton,” Hawkins’ profile has been quickly rising. Few television projects are more hotly anticipated than the “24” reboot, and the project should surely shoot the actor into household name territory. Up next, Hawkins, who’s recurred in “The Walking Dead,” will star in the “King Kong” prequel film “Skull Island.”
The pilot order for “24: Legacy” was confirmed earlier this month at the Television Critics Association press tour, where Fox bosses Dana Walden and Gary Newman said the leading man would be a diverse actor. Insiders tell Variety that Hawkins has been the star of choice for quite some time, but his deal just now closed.
“24: Legacy” will revolve around a military hero’s return to the U.S. and the trouble that follows him back — compelling him to ask CTU for help in saving his life, and stopping what potentially could be one of the largest-scale terror attacks on American soil.
Hailing from 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television, in association with Teakwood Lane Productions, original “24” producers Howard Gordon, Manny Coto, Evan Katz and Brian Grazer will return as exec producers.
Hawkins is repped by ICM Partners and Jackoway Tyerman.
Source: Variety
