With successful movies like Get Shorty (1995), Jackie Brown (1997) and Out of Sight (1998), it would seem that adaptations of author Elmore Leonard's crime novels has been pretty much a win-win for all parties involved. Achieving small-screen success with Leonard's work, however, has been more elusive. One need look no further than 1998's short-lived Maximum Bob, starring Beau Bridges; and 2003's failed Karen Sisco, starring Carla Gugino.
But Leonard's unique mix of violence and wit continues to intrigue TV networks. Case in point: the new FX drama Justified, from producer Graham Yost (NBC's Raines and Boomtown). Premiering March 16, the series stars Timothy Olyphant (Deadwood) as a Miami-based U.S. Marshal who—not altogether willfully—is transferred back to his hometown in Kentucky.
Mediaweek correspondent Alan Frutkin talks with Yost about Leonard's writing style, Olyphant's acting chops and cable's continued rise.
For the Justified video, click below:
Bonus Clip: The Pacific
Having worked on HBO's From the Earth to the Moon and Band of Brothers, Graham Yost wasn't going to pass up the chance to be part of the pay cable network's latest miniseries The Pacific—despite his obligations to FX's Justified.
Here Yost talks about working with executive producer Tom Hanks, filming on location and recreating wartime conditions for the series, which premieres March 14 on HBO.
View the clip below:
