Paramount+ Orders Thriller Series ‘Ascent’ Starring Viola Davis from John Logan
Paramount+, the streaming service from Paramount Pictures, has officially greenlit a new thriller series titled “Ascent,” offering an impressive lead role to the acclaimed actress Viola Davis. The series is set to be created by the renowned writer and director John Logan, a three-time Academy Award nominee known for his work on films such as “Skyfall,” “Gladiator,” and “Michael.” Logan will also assume the role of showrunner for “Ascent.”
Set against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of global corporate crisis management, “Ascent” follows the story of Catriona Vail, portrayed by Davis, an elite corporate fixer known for her unyielding expertise. The plot thickens as Vail must utilize her formidable skills in damage control to protect her estranged daughter, placing her in a perilous situation that challenges her professional and personal commitments.
The executive production team includes Logan alongside his frequent collaborator Michael Aguilar, with Davis and her husband Julius Tennon also serving as executive producers under their production company, JuVee Productions. This collaboration is expected to yield a compelling narrative that intertwines deep character studies with a thrilling storyline.
Matt Thunell, President of Paramount Television Studios, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of supporting visionary talent. He noted how the opportunity to film “Ascent” at the Paramount lot in Los Angeles adds to the project’s significance. Production is anticipated to commence in 2027, coinciding with recent tax incentives provided by the state of California for television projects, although specific details regarding these incentives have yet to be disclosed.
“Ascent” marks a significant addition to Paramount+’s growing lineup of scripted series. The platform has recently announced other notable projects featuring high-profile stars, including Kenneth Branagh in “Laird,” Jeremy Strong in “9/12,” Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning in “Discretion,” and Anne Hathaway in “Fear Not,” among others.
Davis’s role in “Ascent” will be her second leading television role, following her Emmy-winning performance in “How to Get Away with Murder.” She has previously held recurring roles in various series and is also known for her performances in major films, further establishing her as one of the leading talents in the entertainment industry.
On the writing front, Logan has a storied history in both film and television, with “Ascent” being only his second television series after “Penny Dreadful” and its spinoff. Aguilar likewise has experience in the genre and is known for his work on “Kidding” and “I’m Dying Up Here.” As “Ascent” prepares to enter production, anticipation is building for what promises to be a profoundly engaging television experience.
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