Eddie Murphy is moving into a new area of scripted television with “The Chairman,” a drama series in development at Peacock from “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner.
Murphy is attached to star in the project, which is being produced by Universal Television and 101 Studios.
The announcement is significant because Murphy has spent much of his career working in film, comedy and television specials rather than leading a live-action scripted series.
His career began with “Saturday Night Live,” where he became one of the show's best-known performers during his early years.
He later became a major Hollywood star through films including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming to America,” “The Nutty Professor” and “Dreamgirls.”
He has also returned to several of his most recognizable roles in recent years.
“The Chairman” would represent a new television chapter for the actor.
Matthew Weiner is best known as the creator and showrunner of “Mad Men,” the acclaimed AMC drama that ran for seven seasons from 2007 to 2015.
Weiner was also involved with “The Sopranos” as a writer and producer.
His television work has generally focused on character-driven drama, making the collaboration with Murphy particularly interesting.
Details of the plot for “The Chairman” have not yet been announced.
The project is being developed at Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service.
Murphy and Weiner are both attached as producers, giving the project involvement from its leading actor and creator.
The series is still described as being in development, meaning further details about production, additional casting and a release date have not been finalized.
For Murphy, the move continues a period of renewed activity.
He has remained active in film while also revisiting characters from earlier stages of his career.
His participation in a new dramatic television project demonstrates another side of his acting career.
Although Murphy is widely associated with comedy, he has also received recognition for dramatic performances.
His role in “Dreamgirls,” for example, earned him an Academy Award nomination.
A full scripted television drama could provide him with an extended opportunity to develop a character over multiple episodes.
For Weiner, the project represents another major television development following his earlier work.
His name remains closely associated with “Mad Men,” one of the most influential American television dramas of the 2000s and 2010s.
The combination of Murphy's star power and Weiner's television experience has already generated considerable interest.
However, the project remains at an early stage.
No official premiere date has been announced, and plot information remains limited.
The next stages will likely include further casting announcements, production details and information about the show's storyline.
If the project moves forward, it could become one of Peacock's major scripted series.
For audiences, the most interesting element may be seeing Murphy in a role designed specifically for a dramatic television format.
The actor has spent decades moving between comedy, drama and blockbuster filmmaking.
“The Chairman” could therefore become another important stage in that career.
