FX to fast-track Legion in 2017

FX has confirmed it will fast-track upcoming series Legion, featuring Dan Stevens, same day as the US, in early 2017.

Created by Noah Hawley (Fargo), the X-Men tale is the story of a troubled young man who may be more than human. It introduces the story of David Haller, who since he was a teenager, has struggled with mental illness. Diagnosed as schizophrenic, David has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. But after a strange encounter with a fellow patient, he’s confronted with the possibility that the voices he hears and the visions he sees might be real.

Fox Networks Group Chairman and CEO Peter Rice said: “Legion brings the X-Men universe to life, as a character driven, serialized TV show, in a truly amazing new way, and we’re pleased that X-Men fans will have the opportunity to see it simultaneously in the 125 countries where Fox is available.”

“FX is thrilled to collaborate with our international partners to bring Legion to audiences worldwide and the day-and-date delivery will make this a truly global event,” said Eric Schrier, President of Original Programming, FX Networks and FX Productions. “With the universal appeal of the X-Men franchise, fans will be amazed with the artistry and ambition that Noah Hawley and this extraordinary cast have brought to Legion.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with FOX Networks Group to launch Legion to a massive global audience,” said Executive Producer and Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb. “In our storytelling, it is imperative to us that we’re creating characters and a universe that resonates with people around the world and we are so proud to introduce this cast of characters to fans everywhere.”

Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey), Rachel Keller (Fargo), Jean Smart (Fargo), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Jeremie Harris (A Walk Among the Tombstones), Amber Midthunder (Hell or High Water), Katie Aselton (The League) and Bill Irwin (Interstellar) star in Legion. Noah Hawley (Fargo) will serve as an Executive Producer along with Lauren Shuler Donner (X-Men: Days of Future Past, Deadpool), Bryan Singer (X-Men: Apocalypse, Superman Returns), Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Martian), Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones), Jim Chory (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones) and John Cameron (Fargo, The Big Lebowski). Legion is the latest project from Hawley and Cameron, two of the Executive Producers of the Emmy® and Golden Globe® -winning FX limited series Fargo.