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EXCLUSIVE: William Petersen’s return to television is being put on hold. I’ve learned that the CSI alum is leaving the Cinemax/GK-tv drama pilot Hurt People, which he was to executive produce and star in.
Petersen has been a major driver behind the project penned by former production executive Peter Macmanus in his writing debut. Petersen and his producing partner Cynthia Chvatal responded to Macmanus’ script and teamed with Graham King’s GK-tv to develop it. With Petersen on board as star and executive producer, Hurt People, about a veteran hitman (Petersen) employed by the crime family that killed his wife, was taken out to cable networks in March, eventually landing at Cinemax in April with a pilot order.
I hear that in the past couple of months, Petersen’s and the writer-producers’ vision for where the project should go began to diverge, leading to his decision to leave the project he helped develop and sell. I hear Petersen’s departure is not official yet, so it is unclear what impact it would have on Hurt People.
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So… not really a news item then?
what? and billy is supposed to be such a JOY to work with….
He is great to work with you’d know if you had done so…sounds like the newbe writer wasn’t!
He’s great to work with if you are a member of the crew. Not so great if you are a writer/producer or higher.
GKtv is a disaster area. Track record is toxic. Run by a salesman eh
And this is surprising? he’s so full of himself, he actually thinks he’s a good actor. Ask him.
Thank you. I feel the same way
William Petersen is a wonderfull actor.
Billy is one of the most generous, talented actors I have ever had the pleasure of working with..and btw millions of people tuned in to see him every week…
I have a feeling this is a sign of bad things to come for GK-TV.
Didn’t Cinemax have issues with their ‘Transporter’ series, too? Something to think about…
i was just thinking the same thing. Cinemax is really having a lot of trouble getting these series off the ground.
Transporter also had a big production delay because the star was injured.
What happened to that Civil War thing Billy was supposed to be in?
That’s awful if true-it sounds like an awesome concept for a show. I have been waiting so long to see Billy in something new.
he’s such a gifted actor and writer-come back Billy!!
I was soooooo looking forward to seeing Billy on TV again and I never watched Cinemax…but would have for him!
More T&A and Less plot please! That’s the Cinemax way!!!!!
I heard that several great actors were going to be joining Bill who is not just an incredible actor but one of the nicest guys to work with. Cinemas should not lose him and work to make him happy and trust his instincts and vision.
Cinemas get this back on track.
I think it’s probably for the best. During the tail end of his run on CSI, he was just so burned out and really wanted to just go back to doing theater and be with his family; I don’t know if he has another TV run in him, although I would certainly welcome one with open arms.
Was looking forward to this–is it because of Petersen’s health issues? He had a heart procedure in the spring–that’s why he was a no-show for Marg helgenberger “star” ceremony. I’ve always heard that heart problems were a career-killer in Hollywood.
Maybe he’ll return to CSI a few times a season–we can hope!!
Let’s see… GKTV a rudderless creative mess under Craig Cegielski’s watch, Billy Peterson and his healthy ego wondering why his return to TV lands him on Cinemax and not a Network that people watch and Peter MacManus as a new writer working his way through the first season and surely making mistakes. it’s a perfect storm from which to exit. I wonder who Peterson is going to sign with next?
Please come back in one episode of CSI !!
Love Peterson, he’s a true artist. Clearly not doing things for the money, can’t wait to see what way he returns to the small screen.
Cinemax made the right call, this who will be a hit with or without Petersen. Think about it, Billy looks like he is 100 years old, who wants to see that guy’s face on HD TV anyway? I expect big things from Peter Macmanus, who is our generation’s Quentin Tarantino!
HA! Are you kidding me! our generation’s Tarantino what a joke..sounds like Macmanus had one script in him and a huge ego… add to that the clueless GKTV guy and no wonder Petersen is running for the hills…by the way I just saw Petersen and he looks amazing…
25 million people watched him on a regular basis for years…that’s who
You’re not wrong!
W/Out Petersen, what’s the point?
Did Petersen actually leave this series? I’m on the fence about his acting ability–CSI had a great ensemble! Without it, I’m not sure Petersen can cut a series as a star. From the history of this project, it sounded like he had money in the production–he’s had money in other productions that didn’t get off the ground.
Reading his comments about CBS and its big bosses, I’m not surprised the usual networks didn’t pick him up for another series.
it’s my understanding that he didn’t really want to work much after he left CSI. He wanted to do theatre and some indie movies — which is exactly what he did. But I agree he (and his partner Chvatal) have not exactly endeared themselves to the studios. They are notoriously difficult. At least Petersen has acting chops to back him up. His partner/manager just has Petersen.
Well no wonder they have done so well. Being known as “notoriously difficult” in Hollywood is actually a huge compliment, it usually translates to “not aspiring to mediocrity”.
Heard the whole project went south after they left.
He IS a great actor and I would watch anything he starred in! If you think not, what is your reasoning? Have YOU worked with him? Co-produced with him? I thought not.
William Petersen is a fantastic actor, but I am not sorry to see Hurt People fall to the wayside. The plot sounds far fetched as it has been covered on the Internet. Not only that, but Cinemax was created to air MOVIES, not shows. I am considering canning my HBO for that very reason. Now you EXPECT Showtime to be a mix, as their formulary has always been a mix….all the other paid cable channels just want to edge in on the success of Showtime’s series’ on my subscription dime. No thank you. I can dump all three of them, and get Netflix for $8 a month and actually CHOOSE what I watch….it’s becoming a no brainer….