Dennis Hopper to star in Crash
Dennis Hopper is set to star in the new original series Crash, produced by Starz and Lionsgate. This is the first drama series for the network. Based on the Academy Award-winning movie, Crash has begun filming in New Mexico and Los Angeles. Sanford Bookstaver (Jericho, Bones, The O.C.) will direct the premiere episode.
According to the press release, the show “will continue to focus on an ensemble cast of characters” and “will explore the complexities of social tolerance in contemporary America by digging at the meaning of what it takes to reach the American dream.” Hopper will play Ben, a veteran, maverick producer in the music biz who is looking for his last big score. Other stars include Clare Carey, Luis Chavez, Ross McCall, Jocko Sims, Brian Tee, and Arlene Tur. Crash will come to Starz in October.
Watch your backs, HBO and Showtime! This show looks good. And Paul Haggis is on the team of executive producers. He didn’t just give us Crash. He gave us thirtysomething and The Black Donnellys. Don’t mess with the Hag.
Crash gears up with cast
Shortly after the release of 2005’s Crash in theaters, I remember reading that a TV series based on the film was in the works. I even pitched the story to a TV trade magazine, but the editor didn’t go for it. She must have guessed the show would be years in the works, and she was right.
Three years later, a TV series is finally starting to gain some steam. The Hollywood Reporter just posted a story that five actors have joined the cast of the series produced by Don Cheadle, Paul Haggis (pictured), Mark R. Harris, Robert Moresco, Tom Nunan, and Bob Yari, all of whom were involved with the movie. Produced by Lionsgate, the series is anticipated to premiere on Starz in 2009.
Here’s a rundown on the actors who’ve just signed. It’s interesting that most of these folks are not big-name actors, which I find refreshing in an era where many mega-movie stars are crossing over into TV:
Luis Chavez will play Cesar, a poor immigrant who embarks on a grueling journey to America. Chavez was most recently seen on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. He played Morris in three episodes: Vick’s Chip, What He Beheld, and Queen’s Gambit.
Arlene Tur will play Bebe, a former actress who became an LAPD officer after researching a role and falling in love with police work. Tur has had bit parts here and there, including one episode of Grey’s Anatomy in 2006. She also appeared in the 2007 film Final Engagement.
Ross McCall will play Kenny, a cop more interested in joyriding than paperwork. The Hollywood Reporter story isn’t clear on this, but if it’s the Ross McCall I think it is, he’s had bit parts on Bones, Ghost Whisperer (last I heard, he was engaged to Jennifer Love Hewitt), and CSI: NY. He was also seen in 2001’s Band of Brothers.
Brian Tee will play Eddie, a Korean-American immigrant who became an EMT. Tee has landed parts on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, JAG, Without a Trace, Entourage, and Jericho.
Jocko Sims will play Anthony, the driver for a successful music producer. Sims has had parts on NYPD Blue, The Shield, CSI, and Private Practice. He’s also been seen in several films, including Jarhead and Dreamgirls.
I’ll definitely be tuning in, as I thought the film was one of the better offerings in 2005.
Think the series will be as good as the movie? Or did you even like the movie?