It's the start of a new week and that means it's time for a brand-new roundup of crime drama news:
THE BIG SCREEN/MOVIES
The producers of Ballerina released a trailer of the first feature-length spinoff from the world of John Wick. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film stars Ana de Armas as a lethal assassin who is in over her head, and also features a cameo by Wick star, Keanu Reeves. Returning franchise stars include Ian McShane and Lance Reddick, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 60 (this will be his final posthumous on-screen appearance). Joining the returning cast are new-to-the-franchise stars Norman Reedus, Gabriel Byrne, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster.
TELEVISION/STREAMING
Lionsgate Television has optioned author and theater critic Alexis Soloski’s bestselling novel, Here in the Dark, described a dark and stylish novel of psychological suspense about a young theater critic drawn into a dangerous game that blurs the lines between reality and performance. Megan Abbott, the New York Times bestselling author, co-creator, and showrunner of the hit series Dare Me, based on her own novel, will serve as both co-executive producer and writer.
MGM+ has picked up another series from its most prolific creator, Chris Brancato, under his overall deal with the streaming service. The Westies, which Brancato created with Michael Panes, is an eight-episode crime drama about New York City’s violent Irish gang. The drama is set in the early 1980s when the construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on the Westies’ home turf in Hell’s Kitchen promises a financial windfall. Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente. But internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to this powder keg, which will sweep the Westies into the FBI’s ever-deepening investigation into the Italian mafia.
Former Doctor Who and Broadchurch showrunner Chris Chibnall’s debut novel, Death at the White Hart, is becoming an ITV drama series. The story is set in the Dorset village of Fleetcombe, where the village pub’s landlord is found murdered, and Detective Nicola Bridge must unpick a web of lies and rivalries to unmask the killer. The novel is the first of a two book deal in the UK and U.S. for Chibnall.
Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, and Hayley Squires have boarded Netflix’s upcoming heist series, Legends, inspired by one of the most remarkable criminal investigations ever conducted. The drama is set in the early 1990s, when Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise was losing its battle with illegal drug smuggling across Britain’s borders. In a top-secret operation, a small team of customs employees were sent undercover with the task of infiltrating Britain’s most dangerous drug gangs.
Max has set Thursday, May 15 for the premiere of Duster, its upcoming drama series from J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, and released the first teaser trailer. Duster follows Nina (Rachel Hilson), the first Black female FBI agent, who in 1972 heads to the Southwest and recruits a gutsy getaway driver (Josh Holloway), the first move in a bold effort to take down a growing crime syndicate.
PODCASTS/RADIO
All Of It host Alison Stewart discussed the new Peacock series, Long Bright River, based on the best selling novel by Liz Moore and set in a Philadelphia area known for high opioid rates. It tells the story of an awkward cop, played by Amanda Seyfried, investigating the deaths of known prostitutes in the area while also searching for her own sister, also an addict. Seyfried joined in the discussion, along with showrunner Nikki Toscano, to discuss making the series.
Meet the Thriller Author welcomed back Walter Mosley, known for his extensive body of work that spans over 60 books across various genres, including the beloved Easy Rawlins series and the Joe King Oliver novels.
On Crime Time FM, Laura McCluskey chatted with Craig Sisterson about Laura's new crime thriller, The Wolf Tree; the Scottish lighthouse mystery; and writing the sequel.
Wrong Place, Write Crime host Frank Zafiro spoke with Claire Booth about her background and novels, including her Sheriff Hank Worth series.
On Read or Dead, Katie McLain Horner and Kendra Winchester recommended mysteries and thrillers for book clubs.
