These days, to be considered a major player, you gotta have your fingers in a lot of different pies, and television — especially on premium cable like HBO or AMC — are providing opportunities for talent to develop a broad array of work. One has to look no further than Mark Wahlberg or Tom Hanks who are heavily involved with the network with a variety of programs. So really, it’s no surprise that David Gordon Green and Zach Galifianakis are making bigger strides down those avenues.
Deadline reports that the “Your Highness” director — who also is a consulting producer in the cult HBO show “Eastbound & Down” — is ready to ink a deal with Comedy Central for “Black Jack.” Written by Michael Starrbury and with a pilot to be directed and produced by Green, the story will follow the titular character “who, after 20 years as the most kick-ass special ops agent the US government has had on its payroll, finally goes too far and suffers being de-commissioned. He’s sent home to begin the most treacherous mission he’s ever faced – normal life.” The pilot getting a green light will depend on who is cast in the title role; presumably Comedy Central wants someone from the Green/McBride family of actors. And while it basically sounds like the same premise as “Eastbound & Down” but with the professions switched out, it does seem pretty ripe to go in interesting directions so we’d like to see it move forward.
Meanwhile, Zach Galifianakis is palling around with HBO. Deadline reveals that the comic actor — who already stars in the network’s excellent “Bored To Death” — has struck a first look deal. First out of the gate will be a mockumentary centered around Brody Stevens that will chronicle one day in the life of a comedian. Galifianakis is producing the series, and may star in future episodes. The pilot just wrapped and HBO will make a decision one way or the other.
It’s a very busy time for both these men as they have new movies coming soon. “Your Highness” opens on April 8th, while “The Hangover 2” lands on Memorial Day.