HBO Back in Crime with Maria Bello

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From Variety...

"HBO has sealed a deal with thesp Maria Bello ("The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor") to develop and star in a new series for the pay cabler.

Untitled hourlong project will be created and penned by Gary Lennon ("The Shield"). Bello is set to star as a woman who's forced into a life of crime to support her three teenage sons after her husband is killed. Bello's character employs her sons as henchmen, leading them all down a destructive road.

Bello will exec produce with Lennon; Gavin Polone and John Carrabino are also exec producers.

Drama reps a return to TV for Bello, who spent two seasons on "ER" in the mid-1990s. Lennon, meanwhile, is also working on ABC's upcoming "The Unusuals."

Bello's current credits include "The Yellow Handkerchief," in which she stars opposite William Hurt, and "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee," helmed by Rebecca Miller.

Lennon wrote and helmed the feature ".45" and wrote "Drunks," which was based on his play "Blackout.""