Get Shorty has a director. Recently, EPIX announced Allen Coulter will direct the first episode of the upcoming series.

Based on the novel by Elmore Leonard, the dark comedy will center on a criminal who moves to Los Angeles to become a movie producer. The book was adapted into a 1995 film starring John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, and Danny DeVito.

EPIX’s Get Shorty series is expected to debut in 2017.

Read more below:

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 30, 2016 – Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that Emmy® nominee Allen Coulter (“The Sopranos,” “Damages”) has signed on to direct the first episode of the network’s original dark comedy series Get Shorty, a one hour drama series produced by MGM Television. Created and executive produced by Davey Holmes (“Shameless,” “In Treatment,” “Damages”), Get Shorty is a reimagining of Elmore Leonard’s eponymous 1990 New York Times best-selling novel of the same name. Production on the series is anticipated to begin this fall for a summer 2017 premiere.

A seven-time Emmy nominee, Allen Coulter has directed the pilot episodes of a variety of high-profile television series including “Damages,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “Ray Donovan.”

“Allen is one of the most talented and sought after directors in TV today and we’re proud to have him on board to set the tone for Get Shorty,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO, EPIX. “He has directed some of the most iconic television shows of the last 15 years, and along with Davey, we could not have found more appropriate and dynamic filmmakers to explore and expand upon the dark comedy elements from Elmore Leonard’s original novel.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with such a brilliant and accomplished director,” said Steve Stark, President, Television Development and Production, MGM. “With Allen launching the series and Davey’s creative genius, we can’t wait to share this twisted and immersive story with audiences worldwide.”

In Get Shorty, Miles Daly works as muscle for a murderous crime ring in Nevada. For the sake of his daughter, he attempts to change professions and become a movie producer, laundering money through a Hollywood film. But instead of leaving the criminal world behind, he accidentally brings it with him to Los Angeles.”

What do you think? Are you a fan of Get Shorty? Will you watch the EPIX series?