Steven Soderbergh started talking about retirement several projects ago but has remained busy putting together flicks like Side Effects and the HBO original film Behind the Candelabra, which premieres later this month. Now, the man is dodging retirement once more, reportedly in favor of a Cinemax series called The Knick that will star Clive Owen.
The Knick would be a hospital drama set way back in the year 1900, when medicine is improving but doctors and nurses still have to “push boundaries” to get results. The period drama would be set in the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York, thus giving the project its name. Deadline first reported the news, noting that Owen and Soderbergh are likely taking the series directly to Cinemax, which is ready and willing to give The Knick a 10-episode order. Jack Amiel, Michael Begler, Soderbergh, and Owen will executive produce, and the famed director will reportedly helm all ten episodes.
Cinemax already has an original program with a big name attached in Alan Ball’s Banshee. Adding Soderbergh to the roster would only enhance the credibility of the subscription cable network’s schedule, which is in need of some ratings hits (sorry Strike Back).
As for his retirement, the man’s getting almost as wishy-washy about the subject as Amanda Bynes, but supposedly he is retired from films “for the moment.” Additionally, I think everyone would be happy if the talented director continued to work on projects. So, let’s just call it a win for original content that he isn’t taking a break.
