Amazon confirms new original series Trial for 2016
David Farnor | On 02, Dec 2015
Amazon has officially confirmed a full series order for a new original show, Trial.
The legal drama, from Ally McBeal’s David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal) and The Practice’s Jonathan Shapiro, was rumoured to be on the way earlier this year, with Billy Bob Thornton attached after talks with Kevin Costner fell through. Now, the streaming service has publicly given the green light to the series, with the Fargo star locked in for the lead role. He plays a down-and-out lawyer seeking redemption – but his one shot depends on getting justice in a legal system where truth has become a commodity, and the scales of justice have never been more heavily weighted toward the rich and powerful.
Thornton is the latest in a long line of big names to join Amazon’s original slate, from Steven Soderbergh to Spike Lee and Terry Gilliam. He’s joined by none other than William Hurt in what is being billed as “the ultimate David vs. Goliath battle fought in the 21st century American legal system”. Olivia Thirlby (Juno), Maria Bello (Prisoners) and Molly Parker (House of Cards) complete the cast.
“Billy Bob Thornton, William Hurt and David E. Kelley are world-class talents who have achieved longstanding success in captivating storytelling,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “We are excited to bring this series to our members next year.”
Kelley and Shapiro are executive producers, alongside Ross Fineman (Lights Out), while David Semel, who recently helmed episodes of Amazon’s latest original series, The Man in the High Castle, will direct.
All episodes of Trial will be released on Amazon Prime Video in the UK, Germany, Austria, Japan and the US next year.