Jensen Ackles Confirmed to Lead MGM+’s ‘Rules of Prey’ Crime Thriller Series

Jensen Ackles has spent recent years showcasing his ability to anchor various genres on television, effortlessly transitioning from the supernatural realm of ‘The Boys’ universe to the gritty world of crime dramas. This versatility has positioned him as one of the most sought-after leading men across streaming platforms.

His aspirations in crime drama faced a setback last year when Prime Video canceled ‘Countdown’ after just one season, leaving fans curious about his next project in that genre. Speculation intensified recently when fans spotted Ackles filming something intriguing in Toronto, although the details remained unconfirmed.

That mystery has now been resolved. Deadline reports that Jensen Ackles is set to star in and executive produce ‘Rules of Prey,’ an original drama series greenlit by MGM+ based on the first novel in John Sandford’s long-running ‘Prey’ book series. The eight-episode season is already deep into pre-production, with filming scheduled to commence this month in Toronto.

In ‘Rules of Prey,’ Ackles will portray Lucas Davenport, a former Minneapolis Police Department detective who is drawn out of seclusion to investigate a series of perplexing murders that seem designed to send him a message. As a cunning serial killer targets citizens in Minneapolis, Davenport, characterized as a brilliant polymath and unconventional investigator, finds himself engaged in a tense psychological battle with an equally intelligent foe.

The series is helmed by showrunner Bruce Terris, known for his work on ‘DTF St. Louis’ and ‘Patriot,’ who also serves as an executive producer alongside Ackles. Daniel Sackheim, recognized for his work on ‘Game of Thrones,’ will direct the first two episodes and also serve as an executive producer.

Produced by MGM Television and Take 5 Productions, the project includes additional executive producers such as Charles Gogolak and Matt Leipzig of Modern Literary Arts, Howard Braunstein, Michael Jaffe, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, and John Weber. Sandford himself is attached as a co-producer, ensuring direct involvement from the author whose novels inspired the adaptation.

Michael Wright, global head of MGM+, emphasized why Ackles is the ideal choice for bringing Davenport to life. “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+,” Wright stated in comments to Deadline.

“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,” he added. This highlights how integral Sandford’s source material is to the network’s broader strategy for this new adaptation.

Sandford’s ‘Prey’ novels have garnered a substantial readership since the first book’s release, with the series now encompassing 35 bestselling installments focused on Davenport’s evolving career in law enforcement. This established fan base provides ‘Rules of Prey’ with a level of recognition that Ackles’ previous crime drama, ‘Countdown,’ lacked at its launch.

The series is set to debut on MGM+ in various international markets, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, alongside its U.S. release. Since filming has just begun, an exact premiere date has yet to be announced.

This development marks another expansion of Ackles’ ongoing collaboration with MGM Television’s parent company Amazon, further solidifying his status as one of the studio’s go-to leading men across multiple genres. With ‘Rules of Prey,’ his upcoming role in ‘Vought Rising,’ and his continued involvement in ‘The Boys’ universe, Ackles’ schedule remains packed as he heads into the next few years.

For fans eager to see him return to the grounded crime drama genre after ‘Countdown’s’ early cancellation, ‘Rules of Prey’ presents a genuine opportunity built on much stronger source material.

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