We haven’t heard much from Jeff Bridges lately, besides his show-stealing role in 2016’s Hell or High Water, last year’s zen-infused climate change doc Living in the Future’s Past, and a cover story in some music and culture publication. But yesterday we received word that the actor will be taking his talents to the small screen with a lead role in an upcoming FX CIA drama called The Old Man.
Based on the 2017 Thomas Perry bestseller of the same name, The Old Man stars Bridges as an AWOL ex-CIA officer facing up to his past when an assassin tracks him down in what sounds like a Dean Koontz take on A History of Violence. With Jon Steinberg and Robert Levine of Starz’s Black Sails signed on to write and executive produce, the show will be in good company among FX’s current lineup, including What We Do in the Shadows, Atlanta, Fargo, Pose, and, for the rest of eternity, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
“Jeff Bridges is an iconic, extraordinary actor, and to have him as the star of this series is an incredible moment for FX,” says network exec Nick Grad in a statement released yesterday, also praising Fargo executive producer Warren Littlefield in anticipation of his contribution to the show. Only time will tell whether the nickname “The Old Man” will have the staying power of “The Dude.”
As details roll in, you can catch up with Bridges by reading our profile on the actor for FLOOD‘s new special Sustainability Issue.
You can purchase FLOOD 10—which also features interviews with Free Solo star Alex Honnold, Swoon, Animal Collective, Local Natives, Big Thief, and more— at Barnes & Noble stores nationwide or here.
