Skydance Television has a spy-action series in the works, and it's bringing on Monica Barbaro and Arnold Schwarzenegger to play its leads. Barbaro is joining the project fresh off her role in the highly anticipated Top Gun: Maverick, where she plays the pilot known as Phoenix. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger comes to the show following a largely successful run of being Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The series, which currently has revealed precious little information on its premise, will be created by Nick Santora and produced by Schwarzenegger. Santora is known for co-producing Prison Break and Law & Order and is also the creator of 2020's The Fugitive series on Quibi. This new, as of yet unnamed show is described as a global spy adventure series and will star Schwarzenegger and Barbaro as father and daughter.
This is notably Schwarzenegger's first significant step into the world of scripted television, being mostly known as a film star. But considering how TV shows have been enjoying a renaissance of sorts over recent years, it's not entirely surprising to see him join the ranks of other movie veterans taking the plunge. Barbaro, on the other hand, already cut her teeth in the business, known for roles like Cora on The Good Cop as well as Liz on the recent and rather tragically-fated Stumptown.
Much of this isn't a coincidence, as both Santora and Schwarzenegger already had previous ties to Skydance, with Santora also producing the company's upcoming Jack Reacher series and Schwarzenegger connected via Terminator: Genisys and Terminator: Dark Fate, both Skydance features. Barbaro doesn't share that obvious connection, though her impressive TV resume certainly speaks for itself.
The unnamed series takes its spot alongside a growing list of other shows still being announced during the pandemic, proving that even a deadly virus can't keep the entertainment industry down. Granted, it's mostly about money, but there's nothing wrong with romanticizing things a bit here and there. Besides, as long as everyone involved is following health and safety guidelines, the continued cranking of the Hollywood gears can ensure audiences will still have something to do once the outside world is habitable again. Sure, some people take up knitting or a nice walk, but who has time?
Regardless of the motives, a spy action series starring these two is certain to be entertaining for one reason or another. If it's good, that's another fun show to watch, and if it's bad, that's another fun show to watch while drinking. Hopefully production begins soon and safely, and hopefully Skydance lets slip a few more details before long.
Source: Deadline