USA Network Picks Up “Shooter” starring Omar Epps & Ryan Phillippe

A Co-Production with Paramount Television and Universal Cable Productions, the Drama is from Executive Producers Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and John Hlavin Ryan Phillippe (“Secrets and Lies”) and Omar Epps (“House”) Set to Star

USA Network announced a series pickup for SHOOTER, a drama based on the best-selling Bob Lee Swagger novel by Stephen Hunter, Point of Impact, and the 2007 Paramount film starring Mark Wahlberg.  The co-production with Paramount Television and Universal Cable Productions comes from executive producers Wahlberg (“Ballers,” “Boardwalk Empire”) of Closest to the Hole Productions; Stephen Levinson (“Ballers,” “Boardwalk Empire”) of Leverage Entertainment; and Lorenzo di Bonaventura (“Transformers,” “The Real O’Neals”).  John Hlavin (“The Shield”) wrote the pilot and will also executive produce.  Simon Cellan Jones (“Bloodline”) directed the pilot.

Ryan Phillippe (“Secrets and Lies”) is a producer on the project and will star as Bob Lee Swagger, an expert marksman living in exile who is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the president.  Omar Epps (“House”) plays Isaac Johnson, an ex-Marine and former commanding officer of Swagger.  Now a Secret Service Agent, he solicits Swagger’s expertise for a clandestine operation that has disastrous results.

“SHOOTER is an uncompromising exploration of the definition and evolution of a hero,” said Jackie de Crinis, Executive Vice President, Original Programming, USA Network. “The conspiracy and drama that unfolded throughout the first hour had us completely immersed, and we look forward to more.”

“USA is the perfect home for SHOOTER,” said Amy Powell, President, Paramount Television.  “Stephen Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger is a heroic, iconic character and there is so much more of his story to explore in series.  This incredible group of producers and actors bring our vision to the next level; we couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Mark, Ryan, Stephen, John, and Universal Cable Productions to take audiences on an exciting journey.”

On the heels of a series pick-up for the Gale Anne Hurd (“The Walking Dead”), Blake Masters (“Brotherhood”) and the late Emmy Award-winner Henry Bromell (“Homeland”) drama, FALLING WATER, SHOOTER is the second project to be greenlit off of USA Network’s 2015/2016 pilot slate.  Still in contention are BROOKLYN ANIMAL CONTROL, a co-production between Universal Cable Productions and IDW Entertainment, the pilot is written and executive-produced by JT Petty (“Splinter Cell”), David S. Goyer (“Batman v Superman”) also executive produced;  and  POOR RICHARD’S ALMANACK, a co-production between Legendary Television and Universal Cable Productions, the project is from executive producer Jim Danger Gray (“Orange is the New Black”) and consulting producer Miguel Sapochnik (“Game of Thrones”).

About USA Network:

USA Network, the leader in cable entertainment, offers a powerful stable of dramatic, comedic and unscripted originals in more than 102 million U.S. homes.  The network also features spectacular live television, a dynamic portfolio of acquired series and the best in blockbuster theatrical films and entertainment events.  A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com.  Watch USA Network anywhere: On Demand, online or across mobile and connected TVs

About Paramount Television:

Paramount Television develops and finances a wide range of creative television programming across all media platforms.  Paramount Television is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a division of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a global content company with premier television, film and digital entertainment brands.

About Universal Cable Productions:

Universal Cable Productions (UCP) creates innovative and critically acclaimed original scripted and digital content across media platforms for domestic and international distribution. In the U.S., UCP’s programming can be seen across various networks including the Golden Globe award-winning drama “Mr. Robot,” “Colony,” “Playing House,” “Royal Pains” and “Suits” on USA Network; “The Magicians,” “12 Monkeys,” “Hunters” and “Killjoys” on Syfy; “Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce” on Bravo; “The Royals,” on E!; “Difficult People,” on Hulu; and “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” on Machinima Prime/YouTube and Syfy. UCP’s content library includes critic and fan favorites such as the Emmy-award winning “Monk” as well as “Psych” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Universal Cable Productions is a part of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. Follow us @UCPisTV.