In the battle of superhero pilots, "Alphas" has defeated "Three Inches."
Deadline is reporting that Syfy has finally picked between its two superhero projects and given a series commitment to "Alphas." In addition to the already completed 90 minute pilot episode, "Alphas" will begin shooting 11 episodes in Toronto in early 2011, with a summer debut planed for the show.
David Strathaim will star in the series, which features ordinary citizens with extraordinary superpowers who team up together to take out threats that the CIA, FBI and even the Pentagon either ignore or can't handle. Strathaim's character is the sometimes manipulative leader of the team, with Ryan Cartwright as a man struck with Asperger's syndrome who can "read" wireless transmissions in thin air. Warren Christie, Malik Yoba, Laura Mennell and Azita Ghanizada also co-star in the project.
"Alphas" was written by Zak Penn ("The Incredible Hulk") and Michael Karnow, with executive producers Lloyd Braun, Gail Berman and Gene Stein. The series was originally known as "Section 8" when it was taken to NBC in 2007. After being passed over, ABC picked up the series as a possible companion to "Lost" and committed to six episodes before the WGA strike derailed those plans.
The series was eventually retooled before bringing it to Syfy, which ordered a pilot episode last year.
“With each step in the development and production of 'Alphas,' we knew we were onto something very exciting,” said Mark Stern, Syfy's Executive Vice President of Original Content. “Under Gail and Lloyd’s leadership, Zak and Michael created a smart, fast-paced script that attracted an amazing director in Jack Bender and an incredible cast.”
Stern also added that "Three Inches" may also find a home on the network down the line.
"'Three Inches' is a terrific project that we continue to be interested in," offered Stern. "We are working with the producers and production company to see if there’s a way to bring it to our air as well."
