Murder in a Small Town,a new mystery series premiering on Fox in the fall of 2024, features a touching connection to Donald Sutherland made all the more remarkable after his death. The series will follow police chief Karl Alberg as he uses his innate instincts, artistic background, and humanity to get to the bottom of murder mysteries that haunt the small coastal town.Trench 11’s Rossif Sutherland, one of Donald Sutherland’s sons, will lead the series as Karl. Unbeknownst to the younger Sutherland, theMurder in a Small Townseries has its roots in his recently deceased father.
Donald Sutherland died at 88in 2024, from a variety of health complications. WhenMurder in a Small Townpremieres in September 2024, the series will, in part, be dedicated to the Canadian actor. The reasoning is more profound than Donald Sutherland being the Karl Alberg actor’s father; Fox’s new series ties directly back to the late star, who initially fell in love with a compelling character in L.R. Wright’s source material.
Donald Sutherland Originally Wanted To Adapt Murder In A Small Town Into A Movie
Murder In A Small Town Will Premiere As An Eight-Episode Series Instead
The live-action adaptation of the story initially broke ground becauseDonald Sutherland tried to get a movie version ofMurder in a Small Townup and going30 years ago. Sutherland liked author L. R. Wright’s nine-book Karl Alberg mystery seriesand envisioned adapting Wright’sThe Suspect (Karl Alberg #1)into a feature film. Sutherland always hoped to play the role of George Wilcox, a pivotal character inThe Suspect.Murder is a Small Town’sopening episode shares the title, focusing on the first book’s mystery. However, the role ultimately went toStar Trek’s James Cromwell.
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Rossif Sutherland recalled in an interview withDeadlinethat his father befriended Nick Orchard and Ian Weir,Murder in a Small Town’s producer and writer, to get a movie going. Donald Sutherland was initially too young to play George, however, but as time went on, circumstances shifted. When the script for a two-hour movie finally got to former USA Network president Jeff Wachtel’s desk, he submitted it to Fox, who asked for three films but opted for an eight-episode series.By the time the series was finally green-lit, Donald Sutherland’s health had declined, and he had to forgo the role.
The two-hour movie script based on L. R. Wright’sThe Suspect (Karl Alberg #1)was adapted into the first 90-minute opening episode ofMurder in a Small Town.
Rossif Sutherland Plays Murder In A Small Town TV Series' Lead
Rossif Sutherland Plays Detective Karl Alberg
While Donald Sutherland had to step away from the project,Murder in a Small Townfound a way to form a touching connection with the actor in the television series.Fox cast Rossif Sutherland, Donald Sutherland’s son, to lead the seriesas Karl Alberg. The young Sutherland had played many detective roles, so he initially didn’t think much of the audition, but he later gushed to his father about the unique character inMurder in a Small Town. Donald Sutherland recognized the unique project as one he had championed for 30 years, though he had to step away.
Murder in a Small Townpremieres on Fox on Tuesday, September 24 at 9 pm Eastern.
While Donald Sutherland didn’t get to play George, producers ultimately made his son the series' leading character, effectively enriching the story with his legacy. While Rossif Sutherland claims he initially didn’t know of his father’s attachment to the project, the connection was a memorable way for the father and son to bond during the elder Sutherland’s last moments. Rossif Sutherland regularly discussed the role with his father, who died shortly afterMurder in a Small Town’s production wrapped. While the movie never became a part ofDonald Sutherland’s impressive portfolio, his legacy will live on through his son.
Murder in a Small Town
Cast
Detective Karl Alberg moves to a peaceful coastal town to recover from the emotional toll of big-city police work. However, a series of mysterious murders shatters the town’s tranquility. Alberg must rely on his investigative skills to uncover secrets buried in this seemingly idyllic community, as danger continues to surface.
