'Straight Man': Bob Odenkirk signs new dramedy series for AMC
Saul Goodman is not going anywhere! Bob Odenkirk, best known for playing Goodman, the endearing/sleazy lawyer in Breaking Bad and its prequel-spinoff Better Call Saul, has signed his next. Set to be a dramedy series, the AMC Network show will be an adaptation of Richard Russo's novel Straight Man and will have Odenkirk as the lead. His character's name is William Henry Devereaux, Jr.
Why does this story matter?
In the series, we'll see Devereaux, Jr., the unlikely chairman of the English department at Railton College, going through a mid-life crisis. The story will be set in the poorly-funded college in Pennsylvania. Straight Man marks Odenkirk's third series with AMC after Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The latter earned him multiple Golden Globe Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards, so hopes are high!
What did Odenkirk say of his show?
About the series, Odenkirk said, "Once again a project with AMC with a focus on character depth and sensitivity. This milieu (academia) seems very pertinent to the conversations we're all having." "I am drawn to the tone of humanity and humor in the novel, and I look forward to playing this role—something lighter than my recent projects, but still closely observed and smart."
We feel so fortunate, says AMC
President of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks Dan McDermott said, "Bob Odenkirk is just as good as it gets." "We feel so fortunate to be developing a new show that would keep him at AMC after Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, two iconic series that have been loved by millions and helped define AMC and its reputation for unforgettable characters."
Meet the crew of the show
Aaron Zelman and Paul Lieberstein will be attached to the project as co-showrunners and executive producers. Odenkirk will also executive produce the show, apart from starring in it. Peter Farrelly is set to helm and executive produce, while Russo, Naomi Odenkirk, and Marc Provissiero are aboard as executive producers, too. TriStar TV and Gran Via are bankrolling the show. It might premiere next year.
