Who will play NBC's 'Philanthropist'?

With NBC having pre-siphoned most of the suspense from its upfront presentation, a Big Lingering Question this week is: Will the network figure out "The Philanthropist" in time for it to be a viable candidate by next season?

The network has been desperate to staff-n-cast the keystone project that's a favorite of NBC co-chair Ben Silverman. For a showrunner, the network has grabbed David Eick, an executive producer on the trainwreck "Bionic Woman" and the brilliant "Battlestar Galactica" (the consensus: He doesn't deserve the blame, or the credit, respectively).

And given Eick's in-house NBC deal, one can almost imagine him being literally grabbed, with, say, Silverman catching Eick waiting in line at the NBC Universal commissary salad bar: "Heeeey, David, got any summer plans? Want to do 'The Philanthropist?' And what’s with those GE tightwads replacing the sliced avocado with chopped celery?"

The biggest lingering problem is finding the show's "renegade billionaire" lead. Silverman wants a movie star (for his shows in general, and "Philanthropist" in particular). Kevin Bacon was considered the ideal choice, but one source says he passed because of having a "no TV" policy (understandable, if true, since his wife Kyra Sedgwick is suffering away on TNT, starring in the highest-rated cable drama and racking up Emmy noms).

The second issue for "Philanthropist" is striking the right tone. The original showrunner, Tom Fontana ("Oz"), reportedly wanted a more realistic and gritty style (duh, "Oz"). But NBC wants "The Philanthropist" to be fun and escapist. You know, to clearly distinguish itself from the rest of NBC's fall schedule.

Having just truly launched this blog today, I'll be thrilled to get one reply to this request, but here goes: Let's help out NBC. Which get-able movie star do you think should play the globe-trotting renegade billionaire who uses any means necessary to help those in need?

Comments

[Sue]

How about Hugh Jackman?

[Suzette]

Oded Fehr...Oded Fehr....Oded Fehr.

Think of Faris from Sleeper Cell...but GOOD.

[Cynthia]

"Get-able" gritty and fun? I'd suggest Clive Owen, Oded Fehr or Jason Statham.

[Lyn Mau]

Pierce Brosnan should play "The Philanthropist".

He has had past charisma on the screen. Also, he appeals to a good "range" of female watchers---ages.

Go for it----Tom and Barry ! Lyn/Detroit

[bamagirl]

james purefoy