J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot produced ‘Alcatraz’, about time traveling criminals, has undergone a creative shakeup. ‘Alcatraz’ was co-created by ‘Lost’ producer Elizabeth Sarnoff alongside Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt, both being ex-writers on WB’s ‘Kyle XY’. Sarnoff served as executive producer and showrunner when ‘Alcatraz’ began filming this past year.
However, things are not all rainbows and unicorns behind the scenes of ‘Alcatraz’. Just after the pilot was filmed, Jennifer Johnson was brought onboard as consulting producer. Johnson is best known as the creator/executive producer of ‘Chase’ and producer on ‘Lost’. Two months ago, Johnson was elevated to co-showrunner alongside Sarnoff.
After Johnson’s promotion, Sarnoff left the production on ‘Alcatraz’ citing “creative differences”. Daniel Pyne, best known as a feature film writer on ‘Fracture’ and the 2004 remake of ‘The Manchurian Candidate’, was brought onboard to fill the co-showrunner spot vacated by Sarnoff. Pyne’s television experience includes work on the original mid-80s ‘Miami Vice’. It is expected that WB will give Sarnoff a consulting producer credit on the show when it finally goes to air.
After Sarnoff’s departure, filming on ‘Alcatraz’ was put on hold while the seven already-filmed episodes went into reshoots. Now that the reshoots are complete, the show is currently not undergoing any further filming.
‘Alcatraz’ will star Jorge Garcia, best known for his role as Hugo “Hurley” Reyes on J.J. Abrams’ ‘Lost’. Garcia will play Diego “Doc” Soto, an Alcatraz expert and comic book fan, who is called upon by the San Francisco Police Department when criminals from the infamous prison begin appearing in modern day San Fran. Sarah Jones, best known for bit parts in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy’ will join Garcia on ‘Alcatraz’ in the role of Detective Rebecca Madsen, Doc’s partner in the unusual investigations.
‘Alcatraz’ is will begin airing as a mid-season filler show on Fox later this year. It is expected to fill the 9pm Monday time slot. Stay tuned for more information as the show’s premiere gets closer.
