Fox is ready to start the clock on 24: Legacy.
The network has tapped Straight Outta Compton breakout and Walking Dead player Corey Hawkins to star, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Fox’s take features an all-new cast of characters and will be structured in the style of the original series. Legacy revolves around a military hero’s return to the U.S. and the trouble that follows him back — compelling him to ask CTU for help in saving his life, and stopping what potentially could be one of the largest terror attacks on American soil.
Hawkins will star as Eric Carter, a strong and smart guy who came from a rough background and turned his life around in the Army Rangers. Now back home in Virginia with his wife, Nicole, he’s pulled back into action as his past comes looking for him.
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Manny Coto and Evan Katz will pen the script and exec produce 20th Century Fox Television’s Legacy alongside Teakwood Lane’s Howard Gordon and Imagine TV’s Brian Grazer. Stephen Hopkins will direct the pilot, which was formally announced this month at TCA.
Hawkins currently recurs on AMC’s The Walking Dead as comic book character Heath, a key member of the Alexandria Safe Zone. The actor’s casting on Legacy comes in addition to his role on the AMC zombie drama. If Legacy goes on to earn a series order, it’s unclear if he would be able to juggle work on both dramas.
The casting comes off of a banner 2015 for Hawkins. In addition to booking Walking Dead, he starred as Dr. Dre in Straight Outta Compton. He’s repped by ICM and Jackoway Tyerman. He next appears in Kong: Skull Island. The Juilliard grad previously starred in Romeo and Juliet on Broadway.
Legacy marks a rebirth of the 24 franchise at Fox. The original series, rebooted in 2014, starred Kiefer Suthlerland as Jack Bauer. Wit the new take, the network looks to put a twist on the franchise and attract a new generation of fans in addition to those loyal to the original series.
Keep up with all the latest pilot news with THR’s handy guide to pilot season.
