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With the Sony hacking dominating the news, USA Network‘s Mr. Robot couldn’t be more timely.
The NBCUniversal-owned cable network has handed out a 10-episode series order to the hacker drama for Universal Cable Productions, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
It marks USA’s first pilot pickup from its 2015-16 slate. Fellow drama pilots Stanistan, Colony, Queen of the South and Evil Men all remain in contention.
Mr. Robot centers on a young programmer, Elliot (Rami Malek, 24), who suffers from an antisocial disorder and can only connect to people by hacking them.
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Christian Slater stars as Mr. Robot, a mysterious anarchist who recruits Elliot into an underground hacker organization intent on bringing down corporate America.
The role marks Slater’s latest small-screen gig. Last season, he starred on ABC’s Kyle Killen drama Mind Games. Martin Wallstrom, Carly Chaikin and Portia Doubleday co-star.
Sam Esmail (Comet) wrote the script and executive produces alongside Anonymous Content’s Steve Golin (True Detective), Chad Hamilton (Breakup at a Wedding) and Niels Arden Oplev (Under the Dome), the latter of whom directed the pilot.
“Mr. Robot could not be more timely and relevant,” said USA president Chris McCumber. “The creative team behind this series has done a brilliant job, taking viewers on a wild ride that leaves them wanting more. Rami gives a masterful performance as a hacker and unlikely hero, alongside Christian, who is perfectly cast as Mr. Robot.”
Mr. Robot was the first of five pilots that USA picked up for contention in 2015-16. It was followed by Stanistan, starring Jennifer Carpenter, Carlton Cuse‘s Colony with Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies; telenovela take Queen of the South; and Dallas Roberts‘ Evil Men.
A premiere date for Mr. Robot has not yet been determined.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
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