Dame Shame: NBC halts 'Prime Suspect' remake
It turns out finding an American Helen Mirren isn't so easy
Helen Mirren of 'Prime Suspect'
Credit: BBC
NBC has temporarily shelved its remake of the classic ITV "Prime Suspect" format.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the decision to postpone production on the "Prime Suspect" pilot was due to circumstances that were completely foreseeable for most outside observers: It turns out they were unable to satisfactorily cast the lead role.
No, really?
Helen Mirren earned six Emmy nominations and two wins for her performance as Jane Tennison, a detective who battled her own personal demons as well as institutional stumbling blocks in investigating crime. Any time you're trying to cast somebody to fill a Dame's shoes, you're going to struggle.
The American "Prime Suspect" was adapted by "Without a Trace" creator Hank Steinberg and the trade papers had previously floated a number of actresses rumored to have been approached by NBC, including Maria Bello and Julianne Moore.
Ultimately unable to secure the right choice, NBC brass decided it was best to hold the project back until at least June. Presumably by waiting until after pilot pickups and rejections, NBC will have a different range of possible stars.
Speaking of big shoes, NBC also has yet to cast the James Garner stand-in in the network's remake of "The Rockford Files."
Stay tuned...
News From Our Partners
-
What to Watch This Weekend: Orphan Black, Behind the Candelabra, and Arrested Development's Netflix Debut
Arrested Development Q&A: Alia Shawkat on Maeby, the Return of the Show, and the Canonization of Mitch Hurwitz
What to Watch Tonight: The Season Premiere of Rookie Blue and the Series Premieres of Save Me, Showville, and Does Someone Have to Go?
-
Hear This: “Second Best” reflects a pivotal moment all serious bands face
Watch This: The wages and the fear remain high in William Friedkin’s Sorcerer
Cannes Film Festival: Cannes 2013, Day Nine: James Gray and Joaquin Phoenix reteam for a compelling period drama
-
EA Teases Possible Star Wars: Battlefront Return
Tom Cruise Leaves 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' to Focus on 'Mission: Impossible 5′
Black Ops 2 Revolution DLC Free This Weekend
-
'Fast & Furious 6': The Reviews Are In!
'Return Of The Jedi' Turns 30: Secrets Of Ewok Language Revealed!
'Fast & Furious 6' Expected To Lap 'Hangover III' At Box Office
-
The Telefile - The Most Heinous Person on Reality TV This Week
The Telefile - Does Someone Have to Go?: Work Sucks.... If You Are On This Show
The Telefile - Save Me: Lightning Strikes NBC
-
Critics Consensus: Fast & Furious 6 is Certified Fresh
Red Carpet Photos with Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carano and More
Video: The Hangover Part III Cast Interviews
-
fun. Hit the Jersey Shore for 2013 'TODAY Show' Summer Concert Series
Jennifer Hudson Reportedly Confirmed as 'American Idol' Judge
Meet the Woman Who Won PopCrush's Autographed Pink Guitar!
-
Why He Fell Asleep During That Interview
Alex Trebek Has Gone Completely Insane
Arrested Development Could Really Teach Politicians A Thing Or Two
Comments
Option 1
Comment instantly as a guest GuestOption 2
Option 3
Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupTrekscribbler
February 25, 2010 at 4:45AM EST Reply to CommentNot surprised.
brandon curtis
February 25, 2010 at 9:45AM EST Reply to CommentI know she occasionally appears on another show, "Criminal Minds" on CBS, but Jayne Atkinson is the only choice for this.
simplysimon2
February 25, 2010 at 11:48AM EST Reply to CommentStreep could do it, if she wanted to. Bello has the chops but is too "pretty". Any over 40 fading feature or TV actress with chops would do. The chops are what counts when mirroring Mirren.
Steedo
February 25, 2010 at 12:27PM EST Reply to CommentIt's a minor point but Prime Suspect was on ITV not BBC. There are more channels than BBC in Britain. Always thought that The Closer was Prime Suspect-lite
dan Steedo - That's not a minor point at all! I meant to make sure on its British home and forgot. Fixed now! Thanks - Dan
February 25, 2010 at 12:57PM ESTTrekscribbler Good point, Steedo, about THE CLOSER being a PRIME SUSPECT-lite. Like it.
February 26, 2010 at 7:42AM ESTJosh
February 25, 2010 at 1:49PM EST Reply to CommentI know she's not flashy like Steep, Moore, or Bello, but Connie Britton from "Friday Night Lights" would kill in that role.