FX has officially given a series order to Oscar winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) and Sterlin Harjo’s upcoming comedy series titled Reservation Dogs. The pilot was directed by Harjo, who co-wrote the script with Waititi. The 8-episode first season is scheduled to make its debut sometime next year.
“As longtime friends, it was only natural that Taika and I found a project together, and what better than a show that celebrates the complementary storytelling styles of our indigenous communities––mine in Oklahoma and Taika’s in Aotearoa,” Harjo said in a statement (via Deadline). “We’re thrilled by the opportunity to tell the Reservation Dogs’ story with our amazing cast and crew, Garrett Basch, and the whole team at FX.”
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Reservation Dogs is a coming-of-age comedy that will follow the story of four Native American teenagers in rural Oklahoma who spend their days committing crime… and fighting it. The series will be led by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Creeped Out) as Bear, Devery Jacobs (American Gods) as Elora Danan, Paulina Alexis (Beans) as Willie Jack and newcomer Lane Factor as Cheese.
The pilot also features guest stars including Tamara Podemski, Zahn McClarnon, Macon Blair, Kirk Fox, Matty Cardarople, Dallas Goldtooth, Lil Mike and Funny Bone.
Reservation Dogs is executive produced by Taika Watiti and Sterlin Harjo. The series will also be produced by Garrett Basch through his Scott Rudin Productions banner.
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“Sterlin Harjo draws deeply on his experiences as a Native Oklahoman to make Reservation Dogs a true-to-life and incredibly funny story of youth, courage and misadventures,” President of Original Programming for FX Entertainment, Nick Grad said. “Taika Waititi lends his considerable talents to the series, helping Sterlin and their creative partner Garrett Basch produce a unique and original series we can’t wait for audiences to see.”
Harjo has been directing films that primarily focuses on Native American people which are all set in his home state of Oklahoma. The series marks second collaboration between Waititi and FX, who are currently working together on the upcoming third season of What We Do in the Shadows.
