The first trailer for Hulu’s adaptation of Joseph Heller's satirical novel Catch-22 shows a darkly comedic limited series is on the way later this year. The project has been in development for quite some time and was first announced in 2017. Since then, Clooney and his writing and producing partner, Grant Heslov, brought their adaptation to the streaming service, where it amassed an enviable ensemble cast that includes Christoper Abbott (Girls), Kyle Chandler (Bloodline), Giancarlo Giannini (Casino Royale), Julie Ann Emery (Preacher), and Hugh Laurie (House). 

Clooney will not only star in the series as General Schiesskopf, but he’ll also be directing two of the six episodes. Other episodes will be directed by Heslov and Ellen Kuras (The Umbrella Academy), while the series also counts Animal Kingdom and The Rover director David Michod and Beautiful Boy writer Luke Davies among its writing staff. Though the talent involved in front of and behind the camera is impressive, Hulu’s been keeping a trailer under wraps for some time, releasing only a series of first-look photos a while back. 

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The wait to see what this iteration of Heller’s novel looks like is now over, as Hulu offers a number of updates on its slate of original content in 2019 and beyond, during the service’s panel at the 2019 TCA winter press tour. The first trailer for the limited series offers up plenty of laughs. Check out the trailer below:

As far as Hulu’s original content goes, Catch-22 is shaping up to be one of its highest profile series to date. With a cast that includes an Academy Award winner making use of the recognition the novel has already garnered since its publication, the limited series could be a potential award contender for the streaming service, once again putting Hulu in contention with the likes of Netflix and Amazon, after the widespread acclaim of The Handmaid’s Tale. Whether or not Catch-22 garners the same kind of attention remains to be seen, but it certainly appears as though it will have people talking when it premieres in May. 

While the appeal of putting movie stars in television projects has hit a bit of a slump lately, especially with the disappointing I Am the Night, starring Chris Pine, on TNT, perhaps this new adaptation of Catch-22, and the presence of Clooney in front of and behind the camera will reignite audience’s interest in seeing blockbuster actors in TV events. 

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Catch-22 premieres Friday, May 17 on Hulu.