Apple has given an eight-episode straight-to-series order to new drama Defending Jacob, which is headlined and executive produced by Chris Evans. Evans is most noted for his role as “Captain America/Steve Rogers” in The Avengers franchise. This will mark his second regular television role since he appeared in the mini-series Opposite Sex back in 2000. He recently starred on Broadway in Lobby Hero and is primed to begin production on the feature The Devil All the Time. Evans has also been seen recently in the film Gifted with co-stars Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, and Jenny Slate.
Defending Jacob was created and written by Mark Bomback (Planet of the Apes) and based on the bestselling novel by William Landay. The story revolves around Andy Barber, an assistant district attorney who investigates the slaying of a 14-year-old boy and discovers his teenage son is a prime suspect. Bomback will also serve as the show-runner.
It will be produced by Paramount Television and Anonymous Content with Rosalie Swedlin and Adam Shulman executive producing for Anonymous Content. Oscar-nominated Morten Tyldum (Jack Ryan) is attached to direct the series and executive produce as well.
For Apple, Defending Jacob joins other scripted originals including Amazing Stories, Are You Sleeping, Dickinson, Little America, See, the untitled Jennifer Aniston-Reese Witherspoon morning show drama, and more. The show is also Apple’s latest buy from Paramount TV, joining the Jon M. Chu-directed Hilde Lysiak drama and the international fantasy drama Shantaram. It is still to be determined when and how Apple will showcase its rapidly growing pool of high-profile projects, including Defending Jacob.