Tradecraft: J.K. Simmons to Star in New Starz Metaphysical Spy Series

Deadline reports that Whiplash Oscar winner J.K. Simmons (Burn After Reading) will topline what the trade describes as a new metaphysical espionage series on Starz. Simmons will star in Counterpart, which has a straight to series order from the cable network. Created by hot screenwriter Justin Marks (Top Gun 2), the first two episodes will be directed by The Imigation Game's Morten Tyldum. Per Deadline: "Described as an espionage thriller with a metaphysical twist, Counterpart tells the story of Howard Silk (Simmons), a lowly cog in a bureaucratic UN agency who is turning the last corner of a life filled with regret, when he discovers the agency he works for is guarding a secret: a crossing to a parallel dimension. Through Howard and his “Counterpart” on the other side, Prime, the show will navigate themes of identity, idealism, what ifs, and lost love."