Chris Evans has signed on to star in and executive produce the limited series Defending Jacob, which has been ordered straight-to-series at Apple. The series is based on William Landay’s 2012 New York Times best-selling novel of the same name.
Chris Evans will star in the drama, and presumably, take on the role of assistant district attorney Andy Barber. Barber is a man whose life is turned upside-down when his 14-year-old son ends up being the prime suspect of a murder he is investigating. The allegations have a major impact on Andy’s family, and he must reevaluate what he thinks he knows about his child. The book is described as a legal thriller, as the father’s faith in his son is tested when evidence begins to mount.
Mark Bomback, whose screenplay credits include War for the Planet of the Apes and The Wolverine, is onboard to create, write, and executive produce the series, and he will serve as the showrunner. Oscar-nominated The Imitation Game and Passengers Morten Tyldum, meanwhile, will direct. This isn’t Tyldum’s first foray into TV—he recently directed the pilot for Amazon’s Jack Ryan series.
This will be the first regular TV role for Evans since his appearance in 2000’s Opposite Sex. Though his early career featured some television work, including appearances on Boston Public and the short-lived TV reboot of The Fugitive, Evans is best known for his film resumé. In addition to portraying Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Evans’ recent credits include Gifted and Snowpiercer.
Evans will next be seen in next summer’s Avengers 4 for Marvel Studios, for what is likely his final stint as Captain America. He likewise signed on for the upcoming The Devil All the Time alongside Tom Holland, and will also star in Neill Blomkamp’s Greenland.
> Mar MartÃnez
