Arnold Schwarzenegger is up for his very first series on Netflix with Father-Daughter Spy theme in UTAP which Phil Abraham will helm.
The Conan-Terminator actor enters scripted television series through UTAP. UTAP is a series focusing on father-daughter spy-dynamic. Interestingly, Schwarzenegger’s new spy series bases its story on his film True Lies with Jamie Lee Curtis back in 1994. From the movie to the series, the description is that of a “global spy adventure”. Although there are differences on character names, production will further explain details as the series release official news.
Deadline updates the production of the series for Netflix stating Phil Abraham is now on board to direct and executive produce UTAP.
Phil Abraham Helms Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Spy Series UTAP
Image: Paramount
True Lies is an action, comedy, thriller that encapsulated Schwarzenegger and Curtis as the comedy-action duo of their time. Curtis was perfect as the unsuspecting wife to a globe-trotting terrorist-battling secret agent who was Schwarzenegger. With a production budget of $100M, True Lies generated $365.3M in the worldwide box office. It was popular enough that it spawned a top-view action shooting game that was developed by Beam Software and published by Acclaim Entertainment back in 1995.
However, whether the upcoming UTAP spy series will pick up where True Lies left off, still remains under wraps. In fact, whats-on-netflix.com states that the character Arnold Schwarzenegger will portray Luke Brunner, not Harry. Further, Nick Santora will be the series’ showrunner as Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays “the strong, gruff and loveable curmudgeon”.
What’s On Netflix posts the series description as:
A father and daughter have both been working as CIA Operatives for years, but each kept their involvement in the CIA hidden from the other, resulting in their entire relationship is a gigantic lie. Upon learning of each other’s involvement in the CIA, the pair are forced to work together as partners, and against the backdrop of explosive action, and espionage, learn who each other really are.
The premise that Harry’s eldest daughter ended up as a CIA Operative is already a mine for comedy in itself. Fundamentally, one can imagine everything adventurous and globally threatening going on and making your family believe you are living a normal life. As a rule, you make sure the family is clueless as to your activities as a spy. Afterwards, you find out your father has been doing the same thing ever since even before you were born.
Phil Abraham Helms Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Spy Series UTAP
Image: Paramount
There will also most likely be encounters where differences on strategy between the father and the daughter will surface. Could there also be tech differences in the series? How spies go about their mission in the 90s to the spies of present decades?
Joining Schwarzenegger as cast in the series is Monica Barbaro who is to play his daughter named Emma. Emma is the “eldest and most perfect daughter.” In the movie, Harry and Helen (Curtis) had their daughter Dana played by Eliza Dushku.
In addition, other members of the cast include Jay Baruchel as Carter Perlmutter, Travis Van Winkle as Aldon, Fabiana Udenio as Tally – Luke’s Ex-Wife. Further announced actors are Scott Thompson as Dr. Louis Pfeffer, Devon Bostick as Oscar, Andy Buckley as Donnie, Milan Carter as Barry, Fortune Feimster as Roo. And Finally, Gabriel Luna will be Boro, who is the lead villain for the upcoming series..
