Scott Speedman and Ellen Barkin are set to star in TNT’s “Animal Kingdom” pilot.
The pilot, based on David Michôd’s 2010 Australian film of the same name starring Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver and Joel Edgerton, follows the 17-year-old Joshua “J” Cody, who moves in with his California relatives and discovers that they’re funded by criminal activities.
Barkin will play Janine “Smurf ” Cody, the family matriarch played by Weaver in the original movie. Speedman will play Barry “Baz” Brown, Edgerton’s character in the film.
John Wells is set to direct the pilot from a script by Jonathan Lisco, both previously worked on the TNT cop drama “Southland.” Filming will begin next month in Los Angeles.
“Animal Kingdom” is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television. Michôd and the movie’s producer Liz Watts will executive produce with Wells, Lisco, Andrew Stearn.
Barkin is represented by CAA, while Speedman is represented by UTA.