Veteran actor William H. Macy has officially joined the cast of Hulu’s upcoming drama series created by Dan Fogelman. The untitled project is set in the world of the NFL, blending professional football with a deeply emotional, generational family storyline.
Macy, who is best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Frank Gallagher on Shameless, will take on the series regular role of Hank Durkin. His character is expected to play a pivotal part in the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story’s central themes.
The Series at a Glance
While the show’s official title hasn’t been revealed, the project is already generating buzz due to its strong creative team. The lead role will be played by Christopher Meloni, who will portray Danny Roarke, the head coach of an NFL team. The series promises to go beyond the sidelines, exploring not just the sport itself but also the personal lives, struggles, and triumphs of its characters.
The creative force behind the series is Dan Fogelman, best known for creating emotionally charged and character-driven shows like This Is Us and Only Murders in the Building. The production is being handled by 20th Television in collaboration with Skydance Sports.
Fogelman serves as writer and executive producer, alongside Jess Rosenthal, and David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, and Jason T. Reed for Skydance Sports. The combination of high-level storytelling and an inside look at America’s most popular sport sets the stage for a gripping series that appeals to sports fans and drama lovers alike.
William H. Macy: A Career of Range and Recognition
Macy’s addition to the cast brings not only name recognition but also decades of acting experience across television, film, and theater. An Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, as well as an Emmy and SAG Award winner, Macy has mastered both comedic and dramatic roles.
His most celebrated TV work came with Shameless, where he portrayed Frank Gallagher, the morally dubious yet oddly endearing patriarch of the Gallagher family. Over the show’s eleven seasons, Macy earned two Emmy nominations for Best Actor and twice won the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series.
Notable Film Credits
Macy’s career on the big screen is equally impressive. His filmography includes critically acclaimed titles such as:
- Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Disney)
- Ricky Stanicky (Amazon)
- Seabiscuit
- The Cooler
- Magnolia
- Boogie Nights
- Jurassic Park III
- Fargo (a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination)
- Wild Hogs
These roles have showcased Macy’s versatility, from darkly comedic performances to emotionally intense dramas.
Behind the Camera and Future Projects
Macy is not only an accomplished actor but also a talented filmmaker. He made his directorial debut with Rudderless, which was the closing film at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. The film received praise for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, further establishing Macy as a multi-talented force in the industry.
Looking ahead, Macy’s schedule is packed with exciting projects:
- The Running Man – A remake directed by Edgar Wright for Paramount Pictures.
- Train Dreams – A Netflix production starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and Clifton Collins Jr.
These roles reaffirm Macy’s ability to balance mainstream entertainment with more nuanced, artistic projects.
A Creative Team With Proven Success
The combination of Macy’s acting prowess and Fogelman’s emotionally resonant storytelling promises something special for Hulu subscribers. Fogelman has a proven track record of blending heartfelt narratives with multi-dimensional characters, as seen in This Is Us.
With Christopher Meloni leading as a head coach navigating both the high stakes of the NFL and personal challenges, and Macy as a key figure in the story, the series could strike the perfect balance between sports drama and family saga.
Why This Series Stands Out
Sports dramas are nothing new, but few manage to capture both the adrenaline of competition and the emotional gravity of real life. Early indications suggest this show will do just that. It won’t simply be about winning or losing games—it will explore the relationships, sacrifices, and decisions that define the lives of those connected to the NFL.
Hulu’s involvement also signals a commitment to quality storytelling that can compete with prestige dramas on other streaming platforms. By partnering with Skydance Sports and 20th Television, the series has both the creative vision and production muscle to become a standout hit.
The Role of Hank Durkin
While details about Hank Durkin remain limited, Macy’s history of playing layered, morally complex characters suggests the role will be memorable. Whether Durkin is part of the coaching staff, a team executive, or a family figure, fans can expect a performance rich in nuance.
Given Macy’s track record, it’s likely that Durkin will be more than just a background character—he’ll be a driving force in the show’s larger narrative.
Conclusion
With William H. Macy officially on board, Hulu’s upcoming NFL family drama has added serious star power and acting credibility. The combination of an award-winning cast, a celebrated creator in Dan Fogelman, and a high-stakes sports backdrop has all the ingredients for a compelling, binge-worthy series.
While the premiere date and full cast list have yet to be announced, anticipation is already building. Fans of Shameless, This Is Us, and sports dramas alike will have plenty to look forward to when the series eventually hits Hulu.
Until then, Macy’s fans can watch for his other upcoming film and television projects, knowing that his latest role as Hank Durkin is likely to be another standout performance in an already remarkable career.