David O. Russell is coming to TV. Deadline reports that Apple TV+ outbid the field to land “Bananas,” a limited drama series with Oscar Isaac and Ana de Armas set to star, and Russell directing. It’ll be the “Amsterdam” director’s first time behind the camera for TV.
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But what’s “Bananas” about? An official synopsis is under wraps, but sources told Deadline that the show will focus on banana republics, a term used to describe politically and economically unstable Central American countries (usually through the interference of the US government). “Narcos” and “Orange Is The New Black” producer Carolina Paiz serves as creator of the series, with Russell and his two stars executive producing. Isaac does so via MadGene Media with Gena Konstantinakos.
Isaac is no stranger to TV work, having starred in the Marvel limited series “Moon Knight” and earning an Emmy nod for HBO‘s “Scenes From A Marriage.” He stars next in Julian Schnabel‘s “The Hand Of Dante,” which should see a festival premiere next year, and Guillermo del Toro‘s “Frankenstein,” also set for a 2025 release.
“Bananas” will be de Armas’ English-language series debut. She stars next in the “John Wick” spinoff “Ballerina” next summer. Other recent work includes Ron Howard‘s survival thriller “Eden,” which is still awaiting an official release after its world premiere at TIFF in September.
As for Russell, he adds “Bananas” to a project list that includes the Amazon MGM Studios film “Madden,” about the legendary football star, with Nicolas Cage in the lead role.
So when will “Bananas” hit Apple TV+? The safe bet is 2026, but who knows?
