Veep creator Armando Iannucci is preparing the pilot episode of his new HBO comedy series, Avenue 5. Now, former House star Hugh Laurie has been lined up to star in the show.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Laurie will portray Ryan Clark, the captain of the titular Avenue 5. Laurie’s character is described as a “charming and in-control American captain,” and the show is reportedly set in the future, “mostly in space.” HBO has given Avenue 5 a pilot commitment and ordered additional scripts. However, the network has yet to give the project a series order.
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Laurie previously appeared on the fourth season of Veep, and he also had a role in Iannucci’s The Personal History of David Copperfield. Additionally, Laurie had a two-season stint on Hulu’s Chance and starred in AMC’s miniseries, The Night Manager. Earlier this year, Hulu cast Laurie in the Catch-22 miniseries. Laurie’s long list of credits also include Tomorrowland, Blackadder, and his eight season run as Dr. Gregory House in House.
Avenue 5 is expected to be filmed in London later this year. HBO will likely make a decision about the series’ future after viewing the finished pilot. If it goes forward, Avenue 5 could premiere in either 2019 or 2020.
What do you think about Hugh Laurie’s latest TV role in Avenue 5? Are you looking forward to seeing Laurie take on a space-based comedy? Let us know in the comment section below!
