The Oscar-winning director, Ang Lee has resigned from his commitment to direct the upcoming FX pilot Tyrant. In a statement he said, “It is with disappointment that I must confirm I have withdrawn from my commitment to direct the upcoming FX pilot Tyrant. It is one of the most brilliant ideas for a series that I’ve seen and one about which I was very excited. However, after spending over four years making and promoting Life of Pi, I have recently realized that I need some rest. Because I cannot give 100% to this exciting project at this time, I cannot allow myself to do anything that may affect the potential for this exciting new series. I wish FOX 21 and FX the best with this remarkable project.”
This was the first television pilot the director had agreed to direct, which certainly gives much prestige to the show and communicates the series' potential. With such a high profile director slated to work on the project, the search for a replacement could become quite fruitful, especially with the creative power supporting the project: Homeland executive producers Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff and Six Feet Under producer Craig Wright. Tyrant follows the story of an “American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation.”
