Director James Mangold does not always get mentioned first when people talk about top modern filmmakers. That should change. His track record shows a steady run of films that connect with both critics and general audiences. Early titles like Girl, Interrupted and Identity became staples in the late 1990s and early 2000s, often showing up on cable and in video stores across the country. He later brought Johnny Cash’s story to life in Walk the Line, delivered a fast-paced mix of action and humor with Knight & Day, and proved his skill in the Western genre with 3:10 to Yuma.
Today, many viewers know Mangold for his work on the Wolverine films and for stepping into the Indiana Jones franchise, making him the only director outside of Steven Spielberg to take on that series. Now, Mangold is preparing to revisit one of his earlier projects. According to Deadline, he is developing a television series based on his 1997 crime drama Cop Land.
The original film featured a strong cast that included Sylvester Stallone, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and several others. It told the story of a New Jersey sheriff who uncovers a group of New York police officers living outside the city so they can avoid oversight and operate beyond the reach of internal affairs. That premise will now serve as the foundation for a new series at Paramount Television and Miramax Television. Mangold will co-write, direct, and executive produce the project. Robert Levine, known for Being Mary Tyler Moore, will share writing duties and serve as showrunner.
This move follows Mangold’s recent production deal with Paramount after its merger with Skydance. The timing is notable. Paramount appears to be building a stronger lineup as it looks ahead to changes in its creative leadership. With Taylor Sheridan expected to step back from the studio in the coming years, bringing in a director with Mangold’s experience could help fill that gap.
The tone of Cop Land suggests the series could lean into gritty storytelling, similar to the approach that made The Shield stand out on cable television. The original film holds a 75 percent approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences rating it at 67 percent. Those numbers reflect a film that resonated with many viewers while leaving room for a deeper exploration in a long-form format.
Outside of the abysmal Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mangold’s other recent work has only increased demand for his talent. After the success of Logan and Ford v. Ferrari, he has been tied to several high-profile projects, including a version of Swamp Thing and a script set in the Star Wars universe. His ability to move between genres while maintaining a clear storytelling voice has made him one of the more reliable directors working today.
Paramount is also expanding its creative partnerships beyond Mangold. The studio has secured a deal with the Duffer Brothers, the creators behind Stranger Things, as it looks to strengthen its position in streaming. With major shifts happening across Hollywood in 2026, Paramount+ appears to be positioning itself as a serious contender in a crowded market.
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