True Detective creator moving away from Robert Downey Jr. – Perry Mason revival

One of the most surprising stories that we’ve reported on in the reboot/revival space is that HBO is looking at a new Perry Mason. Not only that, but they have on board Robert Downey Jr. to potentially star. This is probably a project that is years away given some of the actor’s other commitments, and there are some behind-the-scenes changes that may be making the wait for it to come out even longer.

What are we talking about, to be specific? Well, let’s just say that it is tied to the departure of Nic Pizzolatto as executive producer. According to a report coming in from Deadline, Pizzolatto has left the project for a pretty good reason: Continuing to work on his upcoming third season of True Detective, which could be premiering over the next couple of years. David Milch of Deadwood is also involved in that project, and the two have brought on their first star in Mahershala Ali. While there is no guarantee that season 3 will get the green light, all signs are currently pointing that way based on most of the chatter that we’re hearing at the moment.

Don’t take this as a sign necessarily that the Perry Mason revival is dead, either, as there are simply some creative people behind the scenes that are coming on board to continue working on the project. Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald will help to get the project off the ground, and in due time we do feel like it will be. Is HBO really going to pass up on having a star of Downey’s caliber on one of their shows? Unless Perry Mason just turns out to be a dud, it’s hard to imagine it. This is a risk worth taking, especially since executives have to start thinking more in terms of a life outside of Game of Thrones. There is only one more season of the epic coming up, and while there may be a possible spin-off coming, nobody knows at the moment if that’s going to be something that sticks or not. You have to cover all of your bases just in case, and this show does that.

For the record, we would be surprised if we do hear anything more about this new Perry Mason project until early next year, given that there is no clear need for anyone to rush things along.

Are you still hopeful that this project could work, and are you more excited about this than True Detective season 3? Share in the comments below! (Photo: HBO.)