John Goodman and Danny McBride are set to star in a new half-hour comedy pilot for HBO. The Righteous Gemstones will tell the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work, all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the show’s official logline.
Goodman will star as Eli Gemstone, the patriarch of the family, and McBride will star as Jesse Gemstone, his oldest son. Eli is described as an “unbending” force in ministry, “known the world over for his aggressive salvation techniques, his worldwide ministries, and his award-winning weekly television program. His light is fading, but he takes no guff. He is obeyed, unquestioned.”
Jesse is characterized as the “heir” to Eli’s throne, and lives in his father’s shadow while trying to create a path of his own. He demands loyalty and surrounds himself with people who will follow him. He “fancies himself a maverick in the ministry game, taking what Eli has built and expanding it for a more modern audience.”
The project comes from McBride, who will write, direct and executive produce in addition to his starring role. Jody Hill and David Gordon Green will also executive produce.
