Billy Bob Thornton has signed up for the lead role in Amazon’s first straight-to-series pick up The Trial, created by TV veteran David E. Kelley. Kelley co-wrote the script with Jonathan Shapiro, and both will executive produce on the series.
Thornton will star (in a role that was previously offered to Kevin Costner) as Billy McBride, a once high-profile lawyer who, after being ousted from the firm he co-founded, spends his days getting drunk and handling small cases when he can get his hands on them. But everything changes when he’s brought a wrongful death suit that pits him against his former partners.
The Trial signals a shift for Amazon, which typically allows its Amazon Prime members to vote on a slate of pilots before any decisions are made as to which will receive extended orders.
Thornton is repped by WME and Media Talent Group.
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Josh Lyons | Staff Writer
