Lead star of "unmissable" crime thriller with a "brilliant" former detective has been confirmed

Amazon MGM Studios has greenlit Rules of Prey, a crime thriller focusing on a detective who is brought back to work after a spate of murders. And what's more, it's been confirmed that Jensen Ackles will star in the lead role.

The series is inspired by John Sandford's 1989 novel of the same name, with The Boys star portraying "brilliant polymath" Lucas Davenport. When a slew of "confounding" killings take place, the former detective is seemingly targeted with a message.

"When an ingenious serial killer begins murdering Minneapolis citizens, Davenport, a brilliant polymath and unconventional investigator, takes the case, sparking an intense psychological duel with an equally intelligent adversary," reads the logline.

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"As Davenport deciphers the killer's twisted moral code and personal vendetta, he must match wits with a predator operating by his own rules of justice, risking everything to stop a killer who sees their conflict as the ultimate game," it continues.

The eight-part season is being written and produced by Bruce Terris, who recently worked on DTF St Louis. Ackles, who has also appeared in Vought Rising and Supernatural, is also producing.

"Jensen Ackles's classic leading man charisma, combined with Bruce Terris's skillful adaptation of John Sandford's enduringly popular Prey series is an excellent fit for MGM+," said Michael Wright, Global Head of MGM+.

"The series delves into the psychological depth and suspense that made Sandford's novels unmissable reading and continues MGM+'s commitment to bringing classic Hollywood storytelling to modern audiences," he added.

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Ackles is the only actor to be cast, with his character being described as a "righteous avenging angel" with a "sharp mind [and] unconventional approach". He also has an "unwillingness to let the law get in the way of justice", which led to his exit from the force.

Rules of Prey will air on MGM+ around the world, with the streamer being available as an add-on channel for Prime Video. It currently costs £5.99 per month, though you can get a seven-day free trial.

Rules of Prey will stream on MGM+.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.