George Clooney Series ‘Catch-22’ Close to Hulu Deal

Oscar-winner will star in, direct and executive produce six-part limited series based on classic novel

George Clooney Venice Film Festival
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Hulu has almost caught George Clooney. The streaming service is nearing a deal with Paramount Television and Anonymous Content to pick up Clooney’s TV series adaptation of “Catch-22,” TheWrap has learned.

The six-part limited series stars Clooney as Colonel Cathcart. Clooney will also direct the satirical war project, with Smokehouse Productions partner Grant Heslov (“The Men Who Stare at Goats”).

News that Paramount Television and Anonymous Content were developing the adaptation of the classic 1961 novel by Joseph Heller broke last November. The book is based on Heller’s personal experiences stationed in Italy during World War II and his struggle to keep sane in the insanity of armed conflict.

Hulu and Paramount Television declined TheWrap’s request for comment.

The scripts were co-written by Luke Davies (“Lion”) and David Michôd (“War Machine”), who both executive produce. Richard Brown and Steve Golin will executive produce for Anonymous Content, while Clooney and Heslov executive produce on behalf of Smokehouse.

“Catch-22” was adapted into a 1970 film by director Mike Nichols. Martin Balsam played the role of Colonel Cathcart in that movie.

This marks Clooney’s first TV role since portraying Dr. Doug Ross on NBC’s “ER,” which earned him two Emmy nominations. The two-time Oscar winner follows in the footsteps of numerous A-listers who have recently picked up TV vehicles.

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