Mykelti Williamson will be the top enlisted on a fictional carrier for Fox in “Wild Blue” — if the show finds a spot on the fall schedule. (Getty Images photo by Kevin Winter)
A Fox television pilot that promises to tell stories aboard an aircraft carrier from both officer and enlisted perspectives has cast a critical part for such an endeavor.
Mykelti Williamson, whose most recent work has been on the FX drama “Justified,” has been cast as Command Master Chief Donald Bowman in the flattop-themed “Wild Blue,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He’s likely best known for his portrayal of Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue in a small independent film Oscar-winning blockbuster “Forrest Gump,” but his credits include everything from guest shots on TV classics (“Starsky and Hutch,” “The White Shadow”) to regular work in modern TV drama (“24,” “Boomtown”) to the occasional movie sequel (“Species II,” “Free Willy 2”). He also portrayed Negro League Hall of Famer Josh Gibson in HBO’s “Soul of the Game” — required viewing for any baseball fan.
As the THR report mentions, Williamson’s recent “Justified” work likely landed him the gig; Taylor Elmore, a writer/producer for “Justified,” will hold a similar role for “Wild Blue.”
The Hollywood Reporter’s show summary says the drama will be part “ER,” part “The West Wing” and part “Top Gun.” There’s a little bit more background here. With the addition of some star power, it’s more likely to find a spot on Fox’s fall schedule, but nothing official will be announced until May.
Does the show’s setting and this casting move make you want to watch? Or could “Wild Blue” sink faster than “Last Resort”? Let us know in the comments below.
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