Michael Keaton has signed on for the opioid crisis-themed eight-episode limited series “Dopesick” which will mark his first TV leading role in a long time.
The story aims to give a human face to America’s struggle with opioid addiction with intersecting stories unfolding in a “Traffic” style way across multiple locations – a distressed Virginia mining community, the hallways of the DEA, and the opulence of 1% Big Pharma Manhattan.
Keaton will play the role of Samuel Finnix, an old-school doctor who approaches his practice with kindness and compassion, but finds himself embroiled in Big Pharma’s deadly secret.
Barry Levinson (“Rain Man,” “Wag the Dog”) helms the project which hails from “Empire” co-creator Danny Strong and “The Handmaid’s Tale” producer Warren Littlefield. It is based on the best-selling book by Beth Macy.
Fox 21 Television Studios and The Littlefield Company are producing the project which has received a straight-to-series order with plans to premiere in 2021.
Source: Variety
