Ben Kingsley to Star in Spike TV's Event Series 'Tut'

Legendary actor Ben Kingsley will star in Spike TV's event series Tut, it was announced today by Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President, Original Series, Spike TV. Kingsley will bring his wealth of cinematic experience to the key role of "Ay," the Grand Vizier to King Tutankhamun who wields tremendous power and influence as the top advisor to the young Egyptian ruler.

"Tut is the biggest and most ambitious project in Spike's history. Who better to lead the cast than one of the greatest actors of our generation -- Ben Kingsley," said Levy. "The character he plays, Ay, is the true power behind the Tutankhamun throne. We are so fortunate to have an actor of Ben Kingsley's stature bring this character to life for Spike."

Spike TV Options Script for Carl Hiaasen's Best-Selling Novel, "Basket Case"

Spike TV and FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) in association with Random House Television Productions and Castle Rock Entertainment, have joined forces to develop a script for a new original series based on the best-selling novel "Basket Case" by prominent author and journalist Carl Hiaasen.

Emmy Award-winning director, producer, actor Rob Reiner is set to direct and develop the script. Peter Gethers and Jeffrey Levine will serve as executive producers and Alex Taub (HART OF DIXIE, DROP DEAD DIVA) will write the series. UTA represents both Random House Television and Taub. Thom Beers, Craig Cegielski and Stefanie Berk serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America. Reiner and Liz Glotzer are executive producers for Castle Rock Entertainment.

"Corruption, murder, and laughs. I can't think of a more satisfying combination. Carl Hiaasen strikes the perfect balance. I'm so looking forward to entering his twisted world," said Reiner.

Spike TV Agrees to Multi-Picture, First Window Film Package with Open Road Films

Former GUIDING LIGHT star Frank Grillo stars in a number of Open
Road Films movies including the upcoming HOMEFRONT with James
Franco and Jason Statham.

SPIKE TV and Open Road Films today announced that they have reached an agreement for a film package that includes the first window broadcast premiere of Open Road Films titles KILLER ELITE, THE GREY, END OF WATCH, MACHETE KILLS, and HOMEFRONT.

"These films are certain to be popular with Spike TV's audience," stated Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films. "Kevin Kay and Tom Zappala have a keen eye for what their viewers want and we are very happy to partner with them to bring these titles to Spike TV."

"We are thrilled to partner with Open Road Films whose cache of films are sure to resonate with our broadening, gender-balanced audience," said Kevin Kay, Spike TV President.