David Mamet Explores ’7 Deadly Sins’ For Fox; ‘Descendants’ Of Disney Characters Getting Their Own Movie & More

As we await David Mamet‘s next feature “Blackbird” starring Cate Blanchett, which is due to start shooting in January, the writer/director continues to find lots of opportunities on the small screen. In fact, his last film “Phil Spector” hit HBO this spring, while over at CBS he’s got a remake of “Have Gun — Will Travel” cooking. Now, he’s headed to Fox with another gig.

Mamet will write and direct the first episode of the limited series “7 Deadly Sins.” As you might guess by the title, the show will follow “a series of interconnected stories the reflect on the human condition” with the thematic focus on wrath,  greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony. The project is in early development but given Mamet has “Blackbird” up next, this is likely still some time away. Still, it’s an intriguing subject for a miniseries, with the subject matter offering a lot of creative places to go. [Variety]

From the sinful to the wholesome, Disney Channel is now working on the live action movie “Descendants” which will tell the story of the children of Cruella De Vil (who has her own standalone film in the works too), Maleficent, the Evil Queen and Jafar. Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical“) will direct the Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott-penned flick that is “is set in a present-day idyllic kingdom, where the benevolent teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle) is poised to take the throne. His first proclamation: offer a chance at redemption to the trouble-making offspring of Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, the Evil Queen and Jafar who have been imprisoned on a forbidden island with all the other villains, sidekicks, evil step-mothers and step-sisters. These villainous descendants (Carlos, Mal, Evvie and Jay, respectively) are allowed into the kingdom to attend prep school alongside the offspring of iconic Disney heroes including Fairy Godmother, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Mulan. However, the evil teens face a dilemma: Should they follow in their nefarious parents’ footsteps and help all the villains regain power or embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?” WTF. This thing will air in 2015. [Deadline]

“Friends” star Matthew Perry is developing a remake of “The Odd Couple” that he will star in for CBS. What else is there to say? [Deadline]

Finally, we’re going to be seeing a lot more David Koechner (aka Champ Kind) as he’s developing, producing and starring in a one hour variety/sketch comedy show for NBC. A pilot has already been ordered up. [Deadline]