USA Network has set three stars for its upcoming drama pilot “Unsolved,” which will examine the murders of rap legends Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur.
Josh Duhamel, Bokeem Woodbine, and Jimmi Simpson have all joined the series as the real-life detectives investigating the murder.
Duhamel is set to play Detective Greg Kading. In 2006, Kading was asked to help spearhead a multi-agency task force with the sole purpose of finding out who was responsible for Christopher Wallace’s (AKA Biggie Smalls) murder, once and for all.
He is best known for his role in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and son. He is represented by ICM Partners, John Carrabino Management and Viewpoint.
Simpson is set to play Detective Russell Poole. In 1997, Poole investigated the murder of Smalls. Poole became convinced the LAPD was covering something up, and his findings eventually led Wallace’s mother, Voletta Wallace, to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the department. The suit was eventually dismissed in 2010.
Known for his role in “House of Cards,” Simpson also recently starred in “Westworld.” He is represented by Kim Callahan at Industry Entertainment and WME.
Woodbine will play Officer Daryn Dupree. In 2006, Dupree became a key member of the task force, one with a deep knowledge of both Los Angeles gangs and the rap industry.
A Harlem native, Woodbine began his acting career in the lead role in “Strapped” with Forrest Whitaker. He went on to pursue film and has appeared in movies such as “Ray,” “Life,” “Devil,” “The Host,” and “Riddick.” In television Woodbine is well known for his Emmy nominated performance in “Fargo.” He is represented by Gersh and Jackoway Tyerman.
Emmy Winner Anthony Hemingway is set to direct the pilot and will executive produce along with Mark Taylor through their Hemingway | Taylor production company.
Kyle Long is writing the pilot and will also executive produce. The drama is based on the experiences of Kading, who is consulting on the pilot script and will also serve as co-executive producer. Kading also authored the book “Murder Rap: The Untold Story of Biggie Smalls & Tupac Shakur Murder Investigations.”