The award-winning director makes the decision 'with disappointment' as he's exhausted after spending over four years making and promoting 'Life of Pi'.
- May 21, 2013
AceShowbiz - Ang Lee has to delay his television debut. After signing up to direct FX's pilot "Tyrant" in March, the Academy Award's Best Director of 2005 and 2012 now announces that he pulls out of the project due to exhaustion.
"It is with disappointment that I must confirm I have withdrawn from my commitment to direct the upcoming FX pilot Tyrant," the 58-year-old filmmaker says in a statement. "It is one of the most brilliant ideas for a series that I've seen and one about which I was very excited."
He continues explaining, "However, after spending over four years making and promoting Life of Pi, I have recently realized that I need some rest. Because I cannot give 100|percent| to this exciting project at this time, I cannot allow myself to do anything that may affect the potential for this exciting new series." He concludes the statement, "I wish FOX 21 and FX the best with this remarkable project."
"Tyrant", which was supposed to be Lee's first foray into television, is from "Homeland" producers Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff as well as "Lost" writer Craig Wright. The drama revolves around an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation. Raff penned the script.
Fresh off his Oscar win for his work on "Life of Pi", Lee is currently serving as a juror at the Cannes Film Festival, joining Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman and Christoph Waltz among others in the panel.
