“Black Mirror” star Wyatt Russell to topline “Lodge 49” drama

PanARMENIAN.Net - AMC has found its next leading man. Wyatt Russell has been tapped to star in the cabler's upcoming drama Lodge 49, The Hollywood Reporter reveals.

Exec produced by Paul Giamatti, the project is described as a modern fable set in Long Beach, Calif. At the center is Dud (Russell), a deadbeat but charming ex-surfer who joins a fraternal order hoping to reclaim the simple, happy lifestyle he lost when his father died. Through the lodge and his newfound connection with the other members, Dud discovers the missing sense of purpose in his life and confronts his deepest fears and greatest hopes.

"Dud is a layered, complex and fascinating character who embodies hope and futility, comedy and tragedy, and the fragility of life," said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV. "Wyatt brings the nuance, warmth and depth to this loveable and iconic character, and we're thrilled to have him."

Russell, who can currently be seen in the third season of Black Mirror, was selected as "The Next Big Thing" by The Hollywood Reporter back in March. The son of actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, his other credits include Everybody Wants Some, 22 Jump Street and Cowboys and Aliens.

The casting comes a month after AMC gave the drama a straight-to-series order. Jim Gavin (Middle Men) wrote and created the series and will exec produce with Giamatti, Dan Carey (Outsiders) and Peter Ocko (Pushing Daisies), the latter of whom will serve as showrunner. AMC Studios will produce the drama, which has received a 10-episode order.