‘American Crime’ Creator John Ridley Leaves CAA (Exclusive)

Oscar winner is focusing on television projects

John Ridley
TheWrap John Ridley

John Ridley, executive producer, writer and director of the award-winning series “American Crime,” has left CAA, TheWrap has learned.

A source close to the filmmaker told TheWrap that Ridley is focusing on making television rather than movies, and wanted to take a break from representation.

Ridley most recently wrote the screenplay for “Ben Hur.” His script for “12 Years a Slave” won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, making Ridley the second African-American to win the award after Geoffrey S. Fletcher.

He is also developing a new series with Marvel at ABC. The project will be Ridley’s second under the writer’s overall deal at the network and the fourth Marvel series on air or in the works at its Disney sister company. Ridley’s series will follow an as-yet unnamed Marvel character.

Though all is still quiet on what the ABC project is or when (and if) it could go into development, Ridley confirmed at the 2016 Television Critics Association winter press tour that he’s still working to make it happen.

Ridley said he is looking to bring some of the socially-conscious nature of “American Crime” to his Marvel project, while also saying he’s looking forward to making something that is “straight entertainment.”

CAA declined TheWrap’s request for comment.

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