Unabomber Drama Manifesto Recruits Sam Worthington And Paul Bettany

Discovery has wasted no time in locating its two leading stars for upcoming FBI drama, Manifesto.

The Hollywood Reporter brings word that the network has tapped Sam Worthington for the part of skilled FBI agent Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald – his first major role on US television – one of the most decorated profilers in the history of the bureau. His adversary? Ted Kaczynski (AKA “The Unabomber”), a terrorist, anarchist and mathematical prodigy who achieved infamy by engaging in a nationwide bombing campaign. Kaczynski was active between the years of 1978 and 1995, during which time his scheming and homemade explosives resulted in the deaths of three people. Paul Bettany of Civil War and Transcendence fame has nabbed the part of The Unabomber.

Pitched as an eight-part series, Manifesto‘s exciting roster of talent stretches behind the lens, too, considering Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti are attached to produce on behalf of Trigger Street and Lionsgate Television. Andrew Sodroski is the brains behind the screenplay, while it’s understood Discovery has elected Greg Yaitanes as showrunner. To date, Yaitanes’ credits range from Quarry to Banshee, and it’ll be interesting to gauge how he tackles such a complex, FBI thriller.

Then again, without any mention of a premiere date to report, it’s still early, early days for Manifesto. As for its newfound stars, Sam Worthington is coming off Mel Gibson’s awards-tipped war drama Hacksaw Ridge. Bettany, meanwhile, played the part of The Vision in Captain America: Civil War, and will presumably reprise that role for Infinity War in 2018.