USA Network has ordered the new series "Treadstone," straight to series. According to Deadline, the "Bourne" inspired series will be overseen by Heroes creator Tim Kring. The new series will focus on the early days and present-day actions of the secret CIA program Operation Treadstone.
The series will follow "sleeper agents" all over the world, as they are mysteriously "awakened" to continue their deadly missions. The pilot episode will be written by Kring, while directed by Ramin Bahrani. Production will begin in 2019.
NBCUniversal negotiating with Amazon
'Treadstone' was originally scheduled as a pilot order for USA's 2018 slate in April, but now will go straight to series. ComicBook.com reported that the decision comes as Universal Cable Productions is attempting to reach a deal with Amazon.
Amazon President Jennifer Salke was key in starting negotiations, as she previously had been part of the project since it's beginning and was part of the team which originally made the pitch. With "Treadstone" ties to the Bourne franchise, it will create massive worldwide appeal. NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment President, Chris McCumber, released a statement saying that the network has become focused on delivering a big and bold programming lineup, and what is bigger than the Bourne universe and the Treadstone story.
Treadstone characters still a mystery
The "Bourne" franchise starred Matt Damon as an assassin who wakes up and forgets his real identity and attempts to uncover the truth about his past. The original series is based on the Robert Ludlow novels of the same name including "The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy” and “The Bourne Ultimatum.” A spin-off film was made starring Jeremy Renner and was released in 2012.
Damon returned to his role as Bourne in 2016 in "Jason Bourne."
NBCUniversal and USA Network have not commented on who the main characters will be in this new series, or if there's a chance that Matt Damon could reprise his role as Jason Bourne, for a cameo appearance. Casting is expected to begin sometime before the end of 2018.
There is no premiere date for the new series, but late 2019 is rumored to be the soonest it could happen.
This will become the latest attempt at continuing the Bourne and Treadstone legacy without having Bourne as the lead. "Treadstone" was one of the four new shows to be ordered by the USA Network last April.
