John C. Reilly Replaces Michael Shannon in HBO’s 1980s Los Angeles Lakers Pilot

John C. Reilly has joined the HBO pilot about the 1980s Showtime Lakers in a recasting.

Reilly will play the role of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss, replacing Michael Shannon. Shannon exited the project over creative differences. The character is described as

a self-made millionaire whose success has only amplified his proclivity for risk, Buss redefines American sports, celebrity, and wealth by transforming the Lakers into a dynasty. But his house of cards threatens to collapse on him and the people he loves most.

If the HBO project go to series, it would mark one of few TV projects Reilly has starred in throughout his career as he is known mostly for his big screen work.

Jason Clarke is the only other currently announced cast member for the untitled pilot, playing Jerry West.

The pilot is based on Jeff Pearlman’s non-fiction book “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s.”

 


Like this story? Follow Reel Talk Inc. on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily news and reviews, and sign up for our email newsletter here.

Podchaser - Reel Chronicles
About David Gonzalez 3061 Articles
David Gonzalez is the founder and chief film critic of Reel Talk Inc. and host of the Reel Chronicles and Chop Talk (80s horror) podcasts. As a Cuban American independent film critic, David writes fair and diverse criticism covering movies of all genres and spotlighting minority voices through Reel Talk. David has covered and reviewed films at Tribeca, TIFF, NYFF, Sundance, SXSW, and several other film festivals. He is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-Approved Critic and a member of the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA), New York Film Critics Online, Hollywood Film Critics Association, and the North American Film Critic Association. As an avid film collector and awards watcher, David's finger is always on the industry's pulse. David informs and educates with knowledgeable and exciting content and has become a trusted resource for readers and listeners alike. Email him at david@reeltalkinc.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @reeltalkinc.