Mark Harmon set to star in USA network movie 'Prey'

USA Network has acquired the rights to develop a two-hour movie starring Mark Harmon based on the best-selling series of "Prey" novels by Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Sandford. The announcement was made today by Jeff Wachtel, president of USA original programming and co-head of original content for Universal Cable Productions. Michael Jaffe and Howard Braunstein of Jaffe-Braunstein Films LTD ("The Informant," "The Client List") will produce the movie, which is set to begin production in May.

Chris Gerolmo ("Citizen X," "Mississippi Burning") adapted the script from the novel. In addition to starring, Harmon will also executive produce alongside Jaffe and Braunstein.

"Mark Harmon could read the phone book and we'd probably want to put it on the air!" said Wachtel. "With Mark, Chris, Howard and Michael bringing to life the iconic character of Lucas Davenport - that really promises to be something special."

There are more than 20 bestsellers in the "Prey" series of novels. The movie is based on the 10th novel, "Certain Prey," where writer John Sandford pits his popular antihero, Minneapolis Deputy Police Chief Lucas Davenport, against a duo unlike any he's ever encountered: a lethal hit woman and a ferociously cunning killer determined to hunt him down.

Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor Harmon is probably most recognized for his role as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the No. 1 scripted show on television, CBS' hit "NCIS." He's enjoyed a successful career in television, film and theater. His feature films include "The Presidio," "Wyatt Earp" and "Summer School," and on the small screen he has starred in such series as "Reasonable Doubts," "Chicago Hope" and "St. Elsewhere." Harmon has also guest starred on shows including "Moonlighting" and "The West Wing," for which he earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

Recently, he voiced the character of Superman in the Warner Home Video release "Justice League: Crisis on two Earths." On stage, Harmon has appeared in Kevin Wade's "Key Exchange," Bill C. Davis' "Wrestlers," and Mark Medoff's "The Wager." In addition, he has done several successful productions of A.R. Gurney's hit play "Love Letters" with his wife, actress Pam Dawber.