Frank Darabont is adding more pieces to his TNT pilot, L.A. Noir, a crime series based on John Buntin’s book, L.A. Noir: The Struggle For The Soul of America’s Most Seductive City. He’s recruiting Heroes alum Milo Ventimiglia to star in the period piece set in the 1940′s and 50′s Los Angeles. Deadline is reporting that Ventimiglia will play Ned Stax a former marine during World War II who becomes a lawyer, and ultimately a “fixer” for the mob. Ventimiglia will join The Walking Dead star Jon Bernthal (Shane) who is negotiating to play Joe Teague, Stax’s fellow marine and soon-to-be partner in crime.
L.A. Noir tells the war between the Los Angeles Police Department led by Chief William Parker and the organized crime world led by Mickey Cohen. Darabont is writing and directing the pilot in what should be a face-paced, violent television series.
Fans have to wonder if Bernthal is negotiating for a major lead role in L.A. Noir, does this mean his run as Shane on The Walking Dead will come to an end? Will he run off with Andrea and remain alive to come back at a later time? Or will he see a glorious exit at the hands of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln).
