Forest Whitaker Joins MGM+ Thriller Series ‘Emperor Of Ocean Park’

Forest Whitaker‘s latest role finds him playing the ill-fated patriarch of a political family in the upcoming MGM+ (fka Epix) suspense thriller series Emperor of Ocean Park. The series begins production in Chicago this month and will premiere on MGM+ this summer.

Whitaker joins the cast, which already includes Lawman: Bass Reeves star Grantham Coleman, Jessica Jones actress Tiffany Mack and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress Paulina Lule. Charm City Kings writer Sherman Payne serves as series writer and executive producer, adapting author/law professor Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel.

The series follows Coleman’s character Talcott Garland, a law professor whose world is rocked after his father (Whitaker), Oliver Garland, mysteriously dies. According to the official synopsis:

Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland (Grantham Coleman), an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah (Tiffany Mack), a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.

Whitaker’s character is described as “the patriarch of his family and a formidable figure in national politics and the judicial system.”

“He is stern, intelligent, calculating, and proud,” according to the description. “As a Black man in America, navigating unwelcoming and often hostile environments, he has formed a hard exterior–that he’s come to rely on a shield. He is a devoted father whose commitment to his family simultaneously bolsters and undercuts his deeply and rigidly held conservative principles.”

MGM+ head Michael Wright said about Whitaker’s casting in a statement, “Forest Whitaker brings his unique gravitas and grace to every role he plays. We are beyond fortunate that Forest will inhabit the complex and layered role of Judge Oliver Garland, and once again put his unparalleled stamp on an MGM+ Original Series.”

Payne and producer John Wells of John Wells Productions (JWP) also talked about how they felt about Whitaker coming on board.

“I’m incredibly excited for the legendary Forest Whitaker to join Emperor of Ocean Park,” Payne said. “Portraying the patriarch of our onscreen family, Forest brings thoughtfulness, leadership, and unimpeachable talent to an already incredible cast. Since the very first draft, Forest has been my dream candidate for this role, and it is truly humbling that we are now working together to bring this story to life.”

Wells added, “We are delighted and honored to have Forest Whitaker joining the cast of Emperor of Ocean Park. He’s who we always hoped would play Judge Garland and his addition to our talented cast is very exciting.”

Whitaker also added in a statement. “I’m excited to be playing Judge Oliver Garland, and thank John Wells, Sherman Payne, and Michael Wright for this opportunity to join the cast and crew of Emperor of Ocean Park, as we bring Stephen L. Carter’s extraordinary novel to life.”

Along with JWP, Emperor of Ocean Park is also produced by Warner Bros. Television, with Wells, Payne, Damian Marcano, Shukree Tilghman and JWP’s Erin Jontow executive producing. Payne also serves as showrunner and writer of the first episode. Marcano will direct multiple episodes, including the first episode.