FX Ordered Crime Drama Pilot Starring Havana Rose Liu
The network has greenlit an untitled crime pilot directed by Hiro Murai that will film on location in Bangkok.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Film — General
Live Poll
Do you prefer watching original crime dramas helmed by acclaimed film directors?
FX has officially ordered a new crime drama pilot featuring actress Havana Rose Liu in the lead role. The production is set to be directed by Hiro Murai and produced by Searchlight Television.
Why it matters
The project reunites high-profile creative talent, with scripts penned by Charles Yu and Julia Cho based on an original story from acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar Wai.
The production team carries a history that includes 14 Emmy wins for Widow's Bay. Wong Kar Wai, who provided the original story, has not released a feature film since 2013.
The players
Havana Rose Liu
She is an actress who previously appeared in the 2023 film Bottoms.
Hiro Murai
He is a director known for his visual style and extensive work in television production.
Wong Kar Wai
He is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker whose last directorial feature was released in 2013.
Searchlight Television
This is a production company that operates under the larger Searchlight Pictures studio umbrella.
FX
This is a basic cable channel owned by Disney that focuses on scripted drama and comedy series.
The details
The narrative centers on a petty criminal who unexpectedly inherits a share in a corporation. A large team of executive producers is attached, including Yu, Cho, Murai, Carver Karaszewski, Claudia Shin, Kate Dean, Paul Schwartzman, and Wong.
Timeline
Pilot production begins in Bangkok in October 2026.
A slasher film featuring Havana Rose Liu is expected to hit theaters in 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This pilot order follows the 2013 release of Wong Kar Wai's last film, marking a major return for the auteur to narrative development. The collaboration signals a broader industry trend of studios leaning on high-profile directors to anchor premium television projects.
Viewers can expect this project to eventually land on FX and its associated streaming platforms, though a premiere date is not yet available. Fans of Havana Rose Liu can look for her appearance in a separate upcoming slasher film arriving in theaters in 2027.
The takeaway
This pilot marks a significant shift in creative direction for the producers involved in the project. Keeping track of the release schedules for director-driven TV pilots is a smart way for fans to anticipate high-quality scripted content before it hits streaming platforms.
Further reading
For more on the current state of television and movie production, visit the Film — General section.
Live Poll
Do you prefer watching original crime dramas helmed by acclaimed film directors?
