David Oyelowo Will Star as US President In an Upcoming Drama Series from Showtime

Davido Oyelowo is set to star in Showtime's upcoming series pilot, The President Is Missing, a drama based on the bestselling 2018 novel by former US president Bill Clinton and James Patterson, Deadline reports.

The series is set to begin production early next year, and will see Oyelowo portraying an unambitious vice president who is unexpectedly thrust into the role of head of state against his desires.

READ: In Conversation: Abiola Oke With David Oyelowo

Here's a full description of The President Is Missing via Deadline:

In The President Is Missing, a powerless and politically aimless vice president (Oyelowo) unexpectedly becomes president halfway into his administration's first term, despite his every wish to the contrary. He walks right into a secret, world-threatening crisis, both inside and outside the White House. Attacked by friends and enemies alike, with scandal and conspiracy swirling around him, he is confronted with a terrible choice: keep his head down, toe the party line and survive, or act on his stubborn, late-developing conscience and take a stand.

The Oscar-nominated actor is also an executive producer on the project.

Supporters online have congratulated the actor on his latest role, including When They See Us director Ava DuVernay, who pointed out how nice it will be to see someone other than President Donald Trump in the oval office—even if it's just on television.

"David brings such enormous depth, sensitivity and power to every role he plays," said Gary Levine, President of Entertainment at Showtime Networks. "Having him as our lead ensures that our series will have the exhilarating suspense of a political thriller along with the juicy complexity of a character drama."

Oyelowo recently starred in the crime thriller Don't Let Go alongside Storm Reid. It was announced earlier in the year that the actor will be makinghis feature directorial debut with Water Man, executive produced by Oprah Winfrey.