Nellie Andreeva

EXCLUSIVE: Sam Raimi, one of the hottest feature directors at the moment coming off helming blockbuster Oz The Great And Powerful, has signed on to direct Fox hourlong pilot Rake starring Greg Kinnear. This is a major coup for the network and Rake producer Sony Pictures TV, which started talks with the director weeks before Oz opened to a gigantic $80 million at the domestic box office, with its worldwide tally nearing $300 million after 10 days. Rake, which is slated to go into production in a few days, marks Raimi’s first pilot directing gig. In addition to directing, Raimi will serve as an executive producer on the pilot alongside original series creator Peter Duncan, Peter Tolan, Michael Wimer, Richard Roxburgh and Ian Collie. Kinnear is co-executive producing. Based on the Australian comedic drama, Rake follows the chaotic and comedic life of criminal defense lawyer Keegan Joye (Kinnear), brilliant, frustratingly charming, and with zero filter. Rake extends Raimi’s relationship with Sony, where he spearheaded the Spider-Man franchise on the feature side, directing the 2002 blockbuster and its two sequels. In TV, Raimi executive produces Starz’s flagship drama Spartacus. He is with CAA.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.