The Wrong Mans Comedy From James Corden & Bad Robot Set At Showtime; Ben Schwartz To Star In Remake of UK Series
Showtime has given a pilot production commitment to The Wrong Mans, a half-hour single-camera action..
Showtime has given a pilot production commitment to The Wrong Mans, a half-hour single-camera action comedy based on the 2013 British series created by and starring James Corden & Matthew Baynton. The U.S. version, from The Late Late Show host Corden, Baynton, J.J. Abrams Bad Robot Prods. and Warner Bros. TV, will star Ben Schwartz in his return to Showtime where he co-starred on House of Lies.
Written by Corden, Bayton and U.S. TV writer Ian Maxtone-Graham (Veep, Man Seeking Woman) and directed by the original series director Jim Field Smith, The Wrong Mans follows two ordinary office workers (one played by Ben Schwartz) who have their menial existence turned upside-down by a chance phone call and a case of mistaken identity: “If you are not here by 5 oclock, we will kill your wife.” As the only people who can help, these two unlikely characters must find their inner hero in their quest to save not just themselves, but their loved ones and ultimately their whole town.
Corden will executive produce via his Fulwell 73 Productions alongside Bad Robots Abrams and Ben Stephenson as well as Baynton, Maxtone-Graham and Smith. Schwartz will be a producer. WBTV, where Bad Robot is based, is the studio.
The 2013 series, a co-production between BBC Two and Hulu, was well received and spawned a two-part sequel. It was commissioned by Stephenson in his role as BBC drama controller. (you can watch a trailer below).
The remake falls outside of Fulwell 73s production deal at CBS TV Studios. Under the pact, the company produces CBS The Late Late Show with James Corden as well as spinoffs Carpool Karaoke and Drop the Mic.
