Jeff Daniels is taking on a dangerous new television assignment in Bannerman, AMC’s forthcoming spy drama based on John R. Maxim’s popular novels. The two-time Emmy winner is the first actor cast in the series, which will receive a second U.S. and Canadian window on Netflix following its AMC run.
The project is also the first series produced under AMC Studios’ co-production agreement with Netflix. AMC Studios will serve as the lead studio, with the two companies sharing production duties and handling the show through a territory-specific distribution plan.
Daniels Takes the Lesko Role
Although Paul Bannerman is the story’s title character, Daniels will play Raymond Lesko, a central figure from Maxim’s books. Lesko is an infamous NYPD detective who now works in hotel security after being removed from the force for taking revenge over the murder of his former partner.
That partner continues to haunt Lesko, whose retirement is interrupted by a deeply personal discovery. His daughter, described as the only living person he truly cares about, is dating a man who may be even more dangerous than Lesko himself.
The role was the focus of an ambitious casting search that targeted prominent actors. Daniels’ involvement gives Bannerman its first confirmed cast member as the project begins assembling its on-screen lineup.
The wider story follows Paul Bannerman, a lethal covert operative who persuades a group of highly dangerous assassins to leave the espionage world and attempt ordinary lives in suburban Connecticut. Their escape from the spy game quickly becomes complicated by old enemies, ingrained habits, a suspicious government and a relentless former police officer.
Shane Black and Craig Silverstein Lead the Creative Team
Shane Black and Craig Silverstein are spearheading the adaptation. Black co-wrote the opening episode and will direct the first two installments, in addition to serving as an executive producer.
Silverstein is the series’ writer, showrunner and an executive producer. Greg Nicotero and Brian Witten will also executive produce.
The series marks Daniels’ first starring television role since American Rust, which ran for two seasons: one on Showtime and another on Prime Video. His previous television work has earned him two Emmys. He won Lead Actor in a Drama Series for HBO’s The Newsroom and Best Supporting Actor for Netflix’s Godless.
Daniels also previously led the Netflix limited series A Man In Full. His upcoming television work includes a recurring role in the fifth and final season of Apple TV’s The Morning Show.
On the film side, Daniels was recently seen opposite J.K. Simmons and Jared Harris in the Cold War thriller The Brink of War. He also has Netflix’s 2034, in which he stars opposite Rachel McAdams, and Starman with Brendan Fraser. Starman is due in 2027.
Daniels is represented by LBI Entertainment, Martino Management and Yorn, Levine.
ShowBiz Take
Bannerman is notable not only as Daniels’ next starring series, but also as the first show to emerge from the AMC Studios and Netflix co-production arrangement. The release strategy gives AMC the initial U.S. and Canadian run while building in a clearly defined Netflix window and broad international availability.
Daniels’ character also provides the drama with a personal entry point into its world of retired operatives and unfinished business. Lesko’s violent history, the lingering presence of his murdered former partner and his concern about his daughter place him directly in the path of the show’s larger spy story.
What Happens Next?
Bannerman will premiere on AMC in the United States and Canada. Netflix will then make the series available in both countries 90 days after the season finale airs on AMC.
The rollout will operate differently elsewhere. Netflix and AMC will jointly debut each episode in Australia, New Zealand and Spain. In all other international territories, Netflix will carry Bannerman exclusively.
With Daniels now installed as Raymond Lesko, the series has secured its first cast member ahead of that multi-platform release.