David Yates Takes Over FX Pilot 'Tyrant'

Losing a multiple Oscar-winner for your project is never a good thing. But, replacing him with a guy responsible for billions in box office isn't bad. That's what happening on the FX pilot Tyrant. Ang Lee was set to direct the first episode of the show, which is about "an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation" but he dropped out. He'll now be replaced by David Yates. He directed the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Harry Potter films, which grossed over $4 billion worldwide.

Deadline reported on Yates joining the project.

Now, what you're probably thinking is, "Why do I care about an FX pilot?" Well, the fact Lee was attached and now Yates is should speak to that but look at the producers. Homeland executive producers Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff are on board along with Six Feet Under's Craig Wright. That's a pretty strong core, plus FX is footing the bill for them to shoot the pilot in Moracco. Then there's the frightening fish out of water premise where a normal family is drawn into the complicated politics of the Middle East. It's a recipe for tension.

We'll keep an eye on the cast for this one, but it should attract some recognizable names. Do you think you'd check it out?