The small screen is now the place to be, with A-list actors attaching themselves to a variety of different projects over the last several years. Next up is Marvel Cinematic Universe alumni, andCaptain Americahimself, Chris Evans who is starring in an adaptation of author William Landay’s crime drama novelDefending Jacob.
The miniseries is set to bereleased by Apple TV+and have now released the official trailer.Defending Jacobis described as a gripping, character-driven thriller based on William Landay’s 2012 novel of the same name which was published by Random House. The series will unfold around a shocking crime that rocks a small Massachusetts town and follows an Assistant District Attorney who finds himself torn between his sworn duty to uphold justice, and his unconditional love for his 14-year-old son, who has been accused of the murder of one of his classmates.
The limited seriesstars Chris Evans as the lead character, and defensive father, Andy Barber. This marks Evans' first major small-screen role in 17 years, with his last roles being in Fox’sSkinback in 2003.Defending Jacobwill also feature Emmy nominee and star ofDownton AbbeyMichelle Dockery as Laurie Barber, the wife of Chris Evans' Andy and mother to Jacob.
ItandThe Book of Henry’sJaeden Martell will star as Jacob Barber along with a whole host of big and small screen talent including two-time Emmy winner Cherry Jones ofThe Handmaid’s Talefame as Joanna Klein,American Gods’Pablo Schreiber as Neal Logiudice,Timeless’Sakina Jaffrey as Lynn Canavan,Get Out’sBetty Gabriel as Paula Duffy, Paul Wesley ofThe Vampire Diariesas Bobby, Leighton Meester ofGossip Girlas Sara, Kat Graham also ofThe Vampire Diariesas Rose,The Babadook’sDaniel Henshall as Leonard Patz, Matt Lanter ofTimelessas Jason,The Night Of’sPoorna Jagannathan as Dr. Elizabeth Vogel andOnly the Brave’sJake Picking as Jake. As if that were somehow not enough, the series will also feature J. K. Simmons as Billy Barber, Andy’s father.
The series looks to be just the kind ofmystery-filled talethat audiences love, with ample drama for the likes of Evans and his co-stars to really get their teeth into. Over the years Evans has proven himself to be one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood, and his involvement should certainly putDefending Jacobhigh up on your radar.
Defending Jacobhas been written by Mark Bomback, who wrote bothDawn of the Planet of the ApesandWar for the Planet of the Apes, from Landay’s best-selling novel. The limited series will be produced by Paramount Television and Anonymous Content.The Imitation GameandPassengersdirector Morten Tyldum will direct the series and executive produce alongside Chris Evans.
Warner Bros. had originally planned to adaptDefending Jacobinto a feature film back in 2012, but nothing ever came of it. The series is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV+ on April 24. This comes to us fromApple TV+.
