Amazon finally announced Trial, a new series from prolific television producer/writer David E. Kelley. The series will star Billy Bob Thornton, Maria Bello and William Hurt.
News of the project started leaking over the summer, with Kevin Costner first linked to it. However, he left in July and was quickly replaced by Thornton. Bello joined in August.
Thornton will play a down-and-out lawyer who is trying to be redeemed after being kicked out of his firm. He only works when his ex-wife (Bello) sends him a case. But when when a young lawyer gives him an intriguing wrongful death lawsuit, he decides to go up against his former partner. Molly Parker and Olibia THirbly also star.
Trial was written by Kelley and his The Practice collaborator Jonathan Shapiro. David Semel (Madam Secretary) is directing. The executive producers are Kelley, Shapiro and Ross Fineman.
“Billy Bob Thornton, William Hurt and David E. Kelley are world-class talents who have achieved longstanding success in captivating storytelling,” Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios, said in a statement. “We are excited to bring this series to our customers next year.”
Thornton is the latest movie star to embrace television and won wide acclaim for his performance on the first season of Fargo. He’s currently working on a sequel to Bad Santa.