Mon Nov 3, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger

Michael Green Re-Ups with Universal for 2 Years

Writer/Producer's 'Kings' Coming to NBC in 2009

Writer/Producer Michael Green has signed a two-year deal Universal Media Studios where he is showrunning the NBC midseason series Kings.

"There is no more important new show to the network and the studio than that," UMS president Katherine Pope told The Hollywood Reporter. The series, inspired by the Biblical story of King Saul and King David, depicts a fictional monarchy and stars Christopher Egan and Ian McShane. The show is currently anticipated to take over the Thursday at 10 spot which ER has held for the last 14 years.

Pope and NBC’s drama president Katie O'Connell reportedly challenged Green to come up with his most audacious idea.  He came back with Kings which excited everyone who read the premise. Everyone, that is, except entertainment president Kevin Reilly.  When he left and was replaced by executive vice-president Teri Weinberg, she gave the series the go ahead.

"He is like the Rosetta Stone of writers," Pope said. "He's one of those guys who is incredibly versatile and shines at whatever genre he does."

"I wanted to tell a story about a world where people are hopeful and believe in their governors even though they are flawed," Green told the trade.

Green, known to readers for his work on Superman/Batman, also was a co-writer on the Green Lantern feature film.  He began his television writing career by working for the first season of HBO's Sex and the City. His other credits include Everwood, Smallville, and more recently Heroes.

He wrote the lead role of Silas for Deadwood’s McShane and was delighted when the actor accepted.  The first four hours of the series are being directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend), giving the series a consistent look at feel from the outset. The series will also feature Brian Cox and Macaulay Culkin in recurring roles.

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