Sylvester Stallone is ditching the confines of cinema for the wide open spaces of an Antoine Fuqua TV series. Stallone has been tapped to star in an adaptation of Mario Puzo's Omertà, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The posthumous novel, released in 2000, is the final book in the Godfather author's trilogy of mafia epics.
Though Stallone is currently putting the finishing touches on a deal that sets him as the series' lead, no network is currently attached. Sources tell THR that a pilot will likely be filmed over the summer, making way for some proper pitching to both cable and streaming outlets. Omertà marks Stallone's very first scripted TV series.
Earlier this month, Fuqua (Training Day) signed a first-look deal with The Weinstein Co. That deal, THR says, included the development of Omertà. "Antoine has a unique vision that is all his own," co-chair Harvey Weinstein said in a statement. "His ability to take the adrenaline of action and emotion of drama, weaving them together, makes him one of the best contemporary directors and producers in our industry."
Despite the initial excitement surrounding his previously confirmed involvement, Fuqua exited CBS' Training Day pilot in February due to scheduling conflicts. The Wrapreports that Danny Cannon, known for his work on Gotham, will be taking Fuqua's place in the television-friendly adaptation of the gritty 2001 film penned by Suicide Squad director David Ayer.
Stallone x Fuqua though? Pretty sure everyone is here for that.
