Ang Lee Drops Out of FX's 'Tyrant' Pilot
UPDATE: Ang Lee has issued a statement saying that he dropped out of FX's "Tyrant" pilot because "I need some rest" after making and promoting "Life of Pi." Lee's full statement is included below.
Previously...
Ang Lee apparently isn't feeling very tyrannical anymore.
Also read: Ang Lee to Direct FX Pilot From 'Homeland' Duo
The "Life of Pi" director has dropped out of the FX pilot "Tyrant," which would have marked his television directorial debut.
The pilot, from "Homeland" producers Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff, along with Craig Wright ("Six Feet Under"), follows an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation. Raff created the pilot, which was developed by Gordon and Wright.
Raff handled writing duties for the pilot, which comes from Teakwood Lane, Gordon's production shingle with 20th Century Fox Television.
In a statement, Lee said that he called the pilot "one of the most brilliant ideas for a series that I've seen" and that he bowed out of the project because he needs rest after making and promoting "Life of Pi."
Read Lee's full statement below.
"It is with disappointment that I must confirm I have withdrawn from my commitment to direct the upcoming FX pilot 'Tyrant.'
"It is one of the most brilliant ideas for a series that I've seen and one about which I was very excited.
"However, after spending over four years making and promoting 'Life of Pi,' I have recently realized that I need some rest .
"Because I cannot give 100% to this exciting project at this time, I cannot allow myself to do anything that may affect the potential for this exciting new series.
"I wish Fox 21 and FX the best with this remarkable project."
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