British studio MARV, owned by Kingsman director Matthew Vaughan, is producing its first television series, Day 1’s from writers/creators Doug Ellin (Entourage), and Chris Case (Mad About You) who will also act as showrunners.
Set in the world of British football, the ten-episode series focuses on a young footballer Dezmond King and his crew as they navigate his growing stature and struggles.
MARV is working closely with legendary footballer Thierry Henry and his long-term agent Darren Dein who will both serve as executive producers on the series. Henry will appear as himself throughout the series.
Matthew Vaughn will direct the pilot which begins shooting in 2021.
Hera Pictures, established by three-time BAFTA TV nominee Liza Marshall (“The State” “Riviera” ”Honour”) is co-producing the series.
Matthew Vaughn commented, “For my first journey into television I couldn’t have a better partner than Doug; and with Thierry and Darren to guide us on the football, it’s a dream come true.”
Doug Ellin said, “I love writing about friends who are family and this show gives us a great new platform to do that. Chris and I are going deep inside the life of an elite athlete to explore the world of Premier League football, a world we find more exciting, interesting, and even crazy, by the day. We’re thrilled to be partnered with Thierry and Darren whose first-hand knowledge and expertise lends great authenticity, and to have a visionary like Matthew Vaughn on board to bring this show to life couldn’t be more exciting.”
Thierry Henry added, “Entourage was one of my favourite TV shows and when Doug invited me on set to film my brief cameo appearance in the movie, I never would have thought that I would be part of bringing a new TV show to life. I’m also incredibly excited that Matthew Vaughn has agreed to bring his vast expertise and knowledge to the series along with many more extremely talented individuals. Hopefully I can share some of my experiences as this topic is much closer to my heart.”
MARV is owned by Vaughn with Zygi Kamasa recently announced as CEO.
Vaughn began his career as producer with Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. He debuted as a director with the crime thriller Layer Cake. Vaughn then directed, produced and co-wrote Stardust with his writing partner Jane Goldman, starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer. In 2009, he produced action-thriller Harry Brown, which starred Michael Caine.
2010 saw Vaughn producing and co-writing The Debt, which starred Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington, and directing, producing and co-writing Kick-Ass. In 2011 Vaughn co-wrote and directed the 20th Century Fox prequel X-Men: First Class. He continued his involvement in the series by co-writing 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.
2014 also saw the debut of the hit global KINGSMAN series, beginning with Kingsman: The Secret Service and its follow-up Kingsman: The Golden Circle in September 2017. Both films were co-written and directed by Vaughn and produced by MARV. In 2016, Vaughn produced Eddie the Eagle, directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman. In 2019 MARV and Rocket Pictures released Rocketman, directed by Dexter Fletcher and starring Taron Egerton.
The prequel in the Kingsman franchise, The King’s Man, releases worldwide in February 2021, again co-written and directed by Vaughn and produced by MARV.
Jon Creamer
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