Donald Glover's FX Pilot 'Atlanta' Finalizes Cast And Announces Director

Donald Glover's return to TV sounds like an easy triumph.

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Complex Original

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Though it's been nearly two years since word of Stone Mountain CEO Donald Glover's FXpilot made its way into the hands of perpetually Gambino-hungry fans, the details surrounding its development have remained relatively scarce. On Thursday, FX finally unveiled the specifics of Glover's semi-meta take on the Atlanta hip-hop scene — simply titled Atlanta.

The pilot will be directed by Hiro Murai, a previous Glover collaborator (see: "Clapping for the Wrong Reasons" below) and the bold auteur behind inimitable visuals from Earl Sweatshirt, Cults, and St. Vincent:

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As previously reported, Glover wrote the pilot script — and will star as Earnest "Earn" Marks, according toDeadline. Earn is described as an artistic loner who left Atlanta to further his dreams of success, only to return beneath the dark cloud of supposed failure which informs his troubled relationship with Van — with whom he shares a daughter. Van is played by Zazie Beetz (Applesauce).

Earn's cousin Alfred Miles, Atlanta's most bankable and on-the-rise hip-hop star, is portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry — who you might recognize from HBO's Vice Principals or The Good Wife. Sensing an opportunity, Earn attempts to offer his services as Alfred's manager — again seeking a path out of Atlanta. Alfred's creative partner, Darius, will be played Lakeith Lee Stanfield (Dope, Selma).

The pilot, executive produced by Glover, will begin shooting in Atlanta at the end of July.

 

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