David Oyelowo has been tapped to play the title role in Showtime’s drama pilot, The President Is Missing.

The potential series is based on the best-selling novel by former President Bill Clinton and James Patterson. The project is in pre-production and will shoot in 2020.

The description: 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 both 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.

“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,” said Levine.

The project is executive produced by Christopher McQuarrie and Heather McQuarrie and co-executive produced by Jillian Share for Invisible Ink Productions. Anthony Peckham, Bill Clinton, James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Leopoldo Gout and David Oyelowo will also executive produce. Peckham is writing the script.

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Photo: Getty Images

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