‘Graceland’ Alum Daniel Sunjata to Star in ABC’s Drama Pilot ‘Notorious’
Daniel Sunjata has been cast in ABC’s drama pilot “Notorious,” Variety has learned.
The potential series is based on the true-life stories of famed criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and cable news producer Wendy Walker, and explores the interplay of criminal law and the media.
Sunjata will play Jake Gregorian, a charismatic and sexy defense attorney who manipulates the media to win cases at any cost and needs to be on top in all areas of his life. Jake acts as if he’s invulnerable, but he has a soft spot for Julia (yet to be cast), on whom he relies both professionally and personally.
Coming off of USA’s “Graceland,” which was canceled this past fall, Sunjata has been one of the most sought-after leading men this pilot season with his newly free schedule. As broadcast networks look for diverse stars, Sunjata had been courting plenty of offers from multiple nets before closing on “Notorious.”
Before “Graceland,” Sunjata starred on “Rescue Me” for all seven seasons. His other TV credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Smash,” “Sex and the City” and “Law & Order: SVU.” On the film side, he’s appeared in “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”
“Notorious” hails from writers Josh Berman and Allie Hagan. Exec producers are Berman, Geragos, Walker, Kenny Meiselas and the Firm’s Jeff Kwatinetz and Josh Barry. Hagan will serve as a co-exec producer. Sony TV and ABC Studios will produce.
Sunjata is repped by UTA, Cornerstone, Authentic and attorney Ira Schreck.
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