FOX Orders Rainn Wilson Drama to Series

Credit: NBC

Rainn Wilson is best known for his comedy roles on shows like The Office and films like Juno. But FOX is looking to market Wilson as a drama star with its latest series.

FOX has ordered Backstrom to series. The one-hour drama stars Wilson as Det. Everett Backstrom, "an offensive, irascible detective, as he tries, and fails, to change his self-destructive behavior." Based on novelist Leif G.W. Persson's successful series of books, the drama was originally developed for CBS, but the network ultimately decided to pass on it. Backstrom is adapted for television and executive produced by Hart Hanson (Bones).

“Hart Hanson and Rainn Wilson are the perfect combination of creative vision and on-screen talent to bring this one-of-a-kind character and story like Backstrom to Fox,” said Kevin Reilly, FOX Chairman of Entertainment, in a statement. “I’ve been in business with Hart for a long time, and not only does he have a rare gift for infusing darker themes with relatable humor, he’s one of the best showrunners out there today. Together with Rainn – who absolutely nails this role and makes it a classic FOX character – I think we’ve got something really special here.”

So what do you think about the potential of Rainn Wilson: dramatic actor? Sound off in the comments!

Via: Entertainment Weekly