Jensen Ackles is set to star in the thriller series “Rules of Prey,” which has been greenlit at MGM+.
The eight-episode series is based on the book of the same name by John Sandford (a.k.a John Camp), which is the first in Sandford’s “Prey” novel series that focus on former police detective Lucas Davenport. Production is set to begin this month in Toronto. It will premiere on MGM+ in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.
The official logline states that the show follows Davenport (Ackles), “formerly a detective in the Minneapolis Police Department, drawn out of seclusion back into law enforcement to investigate a series of confounding murders designed to send a message specifically to him. When an ingenious serial killer begins murdering Minneapolis citizens, Davenport, a brilliant polymath and unconventional investigator, takes the case, sparking an intense psychological duel with an equally intelligent adversary. As Davenport deciphers the killer’s twisted moral code and personal vendetta, he must match wits with a predator operating by his own rules of justice, risking everything to stop a killer who sees their conflict as the ultimate game.”
“Jensen Ackles’ classic leading man charisma, combined with Bruce Terris’ skillful adaptation of John Sandford’s enduringly popular Prey series is an excellent fit for MGM+,” said Michael Wright, global head of MGM+. “The series delves into the psychological depth and suspense that made Sandford’s novels unmissable reading and continues MGM+’s commitment to bringing classic Hollywood storytelling to modern audiences.”
The series hails from Bruce Terris (“DTF St. Louis,” “Patriot”), who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. Ackles will executive produce in addition to starring. Charles Gogolak and Matt Leipzig of Modern Literary Arts executive produce along with Howard Braunstein, Michael Jaffe, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra and John Weber. Sandford serves as co-producer. Daniel Sackheim will direct the pilot and episode two in addition to executive producing. MGM Television and Take 5 Productions produce. Terris is currently under an overall deal at MGM.
Ackles has a longstanding relationship with Amazon MGM Studios, beginning with his time playing Soldier Boy on the hit Prime Video series “The Boys.” He will reprise that role in the prequel “Vought Rising,” which is due out in 2027. He also previously starred in the Prime Video series “Countdown” for one season. He is best known for his 15-season run on the beloved series “Supernatural,” which ran from 2005-2020.
The first Lucas Davenport book was published in 1989. There have been 36 books in the series total, with Sandford most recently publishing “Revenge Prey” in 2026.
Terris is repped by CAA, Modern Literary Arts, and Lichter Grossman. Ackles is repped by Gersh and attorney PJ Shapiro. Sandford is repped by CAA. Sackheim is repped by Independent Artist Group, Industry Entertainment and Jared Levine.
Deadline first reported the series order.
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