Apple is getting in on the Robert Downey, Jr. business in yet another attempt for the tech company to build its streaming platform with the help of some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
According to Variety, Apple TV+ has given a straight-to-series order for an untitled detective drama that is set to be produced by Robert Downey, Jr and his Team Downey production company. The series, based on an article titled “The Sting” from author Michael Lista (who will also executive produce), follows the story of a Canadian detective that devises an elaborate sting operation that quickly spirals out of control in his attempt to solve a decades-old cold case. In addition to producing the endeavor, Downey, Jr. is apparently circling a possible supporting role in the series. In addition to Team Downey and Lista, the Apple TV+ series will also be produced by Adam Perlman, who is aboard to write the series, as well.
This is the latest high-profile series to land at Apple TV+. Just recently, the still-new streaming platform signed a deal with Leonardo DiCaprio and his Appian Way production company for a slate of potential films and TV series, including the upcoming “Shining Girls.” This is par for the course for Apple, as the company begins working from the ground up to build a content library that will attract people to spend money on the service.
The detective series is also yet another crime drama for Team Downey, which recently found success with the launch of HBO’s “Perry Mason” earlier this year. That series has received pretty great reviews and has already been signed for at least one more season. In addition to that series, Team Downey is also prepping for the release of “Sweet Tooth,” a new Netflix fantasy series that should be coming soon.
It’s unclear when the Apple TV+ series will begin production, but clearly, the tech company is willing to do what it takes to get the big names over on the service, so the studio is probably going to try to move this along pretty quickly.