Last week, the trades revealed details about “The Department,” a new espionage political thriller series based on the critically acclaimed hit French drama “Le Bureau des Legendes.” Michael Fassbender was cast in the lead role, and the series came from George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures shingle. While early reports said Clooney would direct, a new Paramount+ announcement revealed that he’s just executive producing the project and Golden Globe and multi-BAFTA winner Joe Wright (“Pride and Prejudice,” “The Darkest Hour” and “Atonement”) will direct the series instead.
READ MORE: Michael Fassbender To Star In George Clooney’s Espionage Thriller Series’ The Department’
The 2015 series “The Bureau” follows a world of even deeper intrigue and subterfuge beyond day-to-day spydom, with characters fighting their own battles as they grapple with existential threats to the nation and the world.
The series is from Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, known for Paramount’s “Yellowstone” and many of Taylor Sheridan’s TV projects. “The Department” will debut on Paramount+ for subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan later this year.
Additionally, Paramount revealed the writers: Tony Award-winning writers Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Edge of Tomorrow”) will executive produce and write all ten episodes. Clooney and Heslov will executive produce through their Smokehouse Pictures along with David C. Glasser and 101 Studios.
“Joe Wright is a visionary director with a gift of focusing on intricate details to craft immersive and visually striking stories,” Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, said in a statement. “Jez and John-Henry are masterful writers whose witty and emotionally charged language dives deep into their characters’ moral complexities while simultaneously creating a propulsive narrative. Bringing these powerhouse creatives together alongside George Clooney and Grant Heslov is sure to give The Bureau the reinvention it deserves.”
