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NBC pushes 'Prime Suspect' remake back
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NBC is delaying production on its pilot "Prime Suspect" because it hasn't been able to find, well, a prime suspect.Production on the project, a remake of the iconic British series that starred Helen Mirren, has been pushed back until summer because the network hasn't yet found the right actress to fill Mirren's shoes, the showbiz trade papers report. NBC is hoping that once the crush of pilot season is over, it will be able to choose from a bigger pool of potential stars.
The delay also likely means that the show, assuming the pilot is picked up, would be a midseason series for NBC in 2010-11.
"Without a Trace" and "The Nine" creator Hank Steinberg is writing the remake, which like its predecessor will center on a tough, driven female detective who carries personal and professional baggage along with her cases.
Mirren was 45 when the first "Prime Suspect" premiered on ITV in 1991; NBC is likely looking for someone roughly that same age (give or take a couple years) for the remake.
We offered a few of our own suggestions back when the project was announced in the fall; who do you see in the role?
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Who should star in a remake of 'Prime Suspect'?
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Photo credit: PBS
For the record: An earlier version of this post misstated the network where "Prime Suspect" originally aired. It debuted on ITV.
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Not sure if she's the right age but: Michelle Forbes!
MERYL STREEP-
-then I'm guessing that it will shoot in NYC......
Given how slim the pickings are amongst American actresses, I bet the role will go to a woman from Canada, Australia or Great Britain. Helen Mirren is irreplaceable, so nobody can really "fill her shoes," as it were. However, given the right actress, a weekly version of the show could do well, even being aired on NBC, which could screw up peanut butter crackers.
I will second Michelle Forbes.
A couple of other thoughts:
1. Mary McDonell - maybe a bit older than the "target age"
2. Maura Tierney - once she has recovered.
3. Gretchen Mol - maybe a bit young.
4. Dana Delaney - not sure how long she will be on Desperate Housewives.
5. Marg Helgenberger - CSI collapses without her unless they bring "Grissom" back.
Mary Steenburgen
Afre woodward
Afre woodward
Afre woodward
I think CCH Pounder would be perfect for this role. She's way underutilized on WAREHOUSE 13.
Gabrielle Anwar would be fab but she's busy in Miami. Sarah Paulson might do it justice too. I can see Michelle Forbes or Mary McDonnell in the role too. If it's half as good as the original it might be the second show I'll watch on NBC, after Chuck.
It was ITV not BBC.
My bad, F. Fixing the post now.