Jeremy Strong is set to star in and serve as an executive producer for “9/11,” a Paramount+ limited series that will delve into a significant legal battle concerning 9/11 first responders. Production for the series has already commenced.
The series is characterized as “a relentless legal battle spanning nearly ten years to secure close to $1 billion in compensation for first responders profoundly affected by the aftermath of 9/11.” Strong will portray Jason Smith, a class action attorney, “who risked everything to confront established powers, revealing the underlying politics, greed, corruption, and betrayal that intensified the tragedy, all framed against the heroic unity and unwavering courage displayed by emergency personnel as the World Trade Center fell.”
Written and executive produced by Tobias Lindholm and Frank Pugliese, “9/12” is directed by Lindholm himself.
Produced in collaboration with Sister, this series marks the inaugural original production approved amidst the Paramount Skydance merger, which prompted a leadership overhaul at Paramount+ and Paramount TV Studios. Key figures include Cindy Holland as the direct-to-consumer chair, Jane Wiseman as head of direct-to-consumer originals, Dana Goldberg as chair of Paramount Television Studios, and Matt Thunell as president of Paramount Television Studios.
In a public statement, Strong expressed, “The esteemed American historian David Halberstam once remarked about September 11th, 2001, ‘On a day when the worst of mankind showed itself, the best of mankind answered.’ ‘9/12’ honors the best among us — our first responders, whose official response time on that day was merely five seconds. It encapsulates a moment of unity and solidarity in a divided nation, amidst the ruins, as we rebuilt and emerged from the rubble. Yet it also highlights how our institutions failed to support those heroes — whom we vowed never to forget — during their greatest hour of need. ‘9/12’ is a narrative about justice, the restoration of human dignity, and the real-life champions of our country that we must always remember. Tobias Lindholm stands out as one of the world’s finest writer/directors, possessing the depth, restraint, integrity, clarity, and power necessary to honor this story.”
“While firmly rooted in the unparalleled events of September 11, 2001, ‘9/12’ addresses challenges that extend beyond that date. It interrogates the fate of those who risked it all when abandoned by the very institutions meant to safeguard them,” Lindholm stated. “The series serves as a tribute to human resilience and tenacity in the face of unimaginable hardship — a tension that inspired me to craft this narrative.”
Wiseman remarked, “This project underscores the significance of storytelling. Collaborating with visionaries like Tobias, Frank, and Jeremy has set a precedent for the ambitious, impactful narratives that Paramount+ will promote.”
Thunell added, “Tobias has woven a narrative about an inspiring underdog journey that we are confident Jeremy will portray brilliantly. I am excited to be reunited with Frank, and we are equally honored to partner with Sister on this enduring story as our first limited series for Paramount+.”
