Iron Man 3 director Shane Black will bring his gritty action style to Netflix. He will do it through his spy drama about retired operatives. The TV show will follow former assassins as they try to settle into ordinary lives.
Titled Bannerman, the show marks the first original series jointly developed and produced by Netflix and AMC Studios. Black co-wrote the first episode and will direct its first two episodes.
Craig Silverstein will serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten will also executive produce the series.
What is Bannerman about?
Bannerman centers on Paul Bannerman, a former covert operative seeking a quieter life. He convinces other deadly assassins to leave their dangerous careers and settle in suburban Connecticut.
Paul’s new life faces another problem when Raymond Lesko arrives. Raymond is his girlfriend’s father and a former NYPD officer who suspects Paul has a hidden past.
The official logline reads, “Paul Bannerman (a lethal covert operative) convinces a group of the world’s most deadly assassins to quit the spy game for a chance to lead normal lives in the suburbs of Connecticut. Old enemies, bad habits, a paranoid government and an unrelenting ex-cop will make retirement their most difficult mission yet.”
The story comes from a five-book series focused on the former spy. It mixes his attempts at normal life with threats from his earlier career.
Black is known for writing and directing action-driven stories. His credits include Lethal Weapon, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3. Silverstein’s previous credits include Nikita, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Pantheon and Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
AMC will premiere Bannerman in the U.S. and Canada. Netflix will release each season there 90 days after the AMC season finale. The companies will also premiere episodes together in Australia, New Zealand, and Spain. Netflix will handle the series in other international territories.
AMC Studios is the lead studio behind the project. A release date has not been announced yet.
