Cable's Sci Fi Channel has hired Paul Blackthorne as the lead in its TV movie The Dresden Files, which is slated for a summer 2006 premiere.
The project is based on the best-selling series of novels by Jim Butcher and centers on Harry Dresden (Blackthorne), a Chicago-based private detective with extraordinary abilities.
The film will serve as a "backdoor pilot" for a possible series. Production will begin in Toronto later this month. It is being produced by Lions Gate TV in association with Nicolas Cage's Saturn Films.
Blackthorne's series credits include Fox's 24, CBS' Presidio Med, and HBO's Deadwood.
Interesting choice for the lead. Though whenever I read the books I picture Dresden as being taller. But Blackthorne is a decent actor who should do the part well.
..because most of them ***. And judging by the actor choice, this will too. Paul Blackthorne isn't a bad actor, he's just not good choice for a lead character.
None of Sci Fi's backdoor pilots EVER seem to get made into shows.