Oscar winner Minnie Driver has extended her overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV and lined up a new dramedy series at FX. Deadline confirms the “Speechless” alumna and her Huge Fan Productions have renewed their existing pact with 20th Century Fox TV. The first project under the deal, the FX show, will center on a West Texas family and their pecan empire.
20th Century Fox TV produced ABC sitcom “Speechless,” which ran for three seasons from 2016-2019. Driver portrayed Maya, the fiercely protective mother of a special-needs teen.
“We loved Minnie’s work on ‘Speechless’ and feel very fortunate to continue our relationship,” said Carolyn Cassidy, President of Creative Affairs, 20th Century Fox TV. “She’s smart, ambitious, and is eager to produce as well as to act. We’re happy she’s staying in the fold.”
Added Driver, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with 20th Century Fox Television and remain in the Disney family. With Huge Fan Productions we aim to develop and create shows in the comedy/dramedy space and after the amazing years spent on ‘Speechless’ I know we share the same comedic sensibility.”
Driver’s new project is based on the Texas Monthly article “A Tree is Known by Its Fruit.” In development at FX, the series would be “a potential starring vehicle for Driver, on which she would also serve as executive producer.” Huge Fan Head of Development and Production Mary Coffou would co-exec produce.
Driver previously starred on the FX drama “The Riches,” as the matriarch to family of cons. She was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance.
Huge Fan also acquired the rights to Irish writer/comedian Maeve Higgins’ memoir “Maeve in America: Essays by a Girl from Somewhere Else,” with plans to develop it as a TV series. The bestseller traces Higgins’ experiences as an Irish expat in New York City.
Driver received an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in “Good Will Hunting.” Her other screen credits include “Will & Grace,” “Beyond the Lights,” and “About a Boy.” She previously executive produced features “Ripple Effect” and “At Sachem Farm,” in which she also appeared.
