HBO Picks Up Dwayne Johnson's 'Ballers'

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HBO has picked Dwayne Johnson's TV pilot Ballers. Johnson is executive producing the series with his Pain & Gain co-star Mark Wahlberg. Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) directed the pilot that explores the lives of a group of former and current football players. Johnson stars as Spencer Strasmore, a retired athlete.

The cast includes Omar Benson Miller (Homefront) as Charles, an affable former pro athlete who is searching for his next career; Denzel Washington's son John David Washington as Ricky, a highly competitive and highly spiritual pro athlete; Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine 2) as Joe, a financial advisor who tries really hard to fit in.

Troy Garity (Gangster Squad) as Jason, a top-tier sports agent; Donovan Carter as Vernon, a deeply family-oriented pro athlete; Jazmyn Simon as Julie, wife of an ex-pro athlete; Taylor Cole (The Event) as Michaels, an ESPN sideline reporter who is romantically involved with Spencer; and LeToya Luckett (Treme) as Tina, widow to one of Spencer's closest friends.

Johnson will next appear in Brett Ratner's Hercules, reprise his role on Fast & Furious 7 and begin working TNT's Wake Up Call. TNT's reality series will feature Johnson lending a helping hand to everyday people who are facing enormous challenges in their lives. HBO's Ballers will start production later this year. Source: Deadline