Earlier this year, USA ordered a pilot for Legendary TV and Universal’s Poor Richard’s Almanack, a drama series set in both the present and a possible future where America has been pushed to the brink of destruction. To save their nation, a new group of “Founding Fathers” will emerge as heroes.

Director Neil Marshall has signed on to helm the pilot episode of Poor Richard’s Almanack and he will also executive produce the series. Marshall previously directed two of the most memorable episodes of Game of Thrones: “Blackwater’ and “The Watchers on the Wall.” Marshall has also directed Dog Soldiers, The Descent, and Centurion as well as episodes of Black Sails, Constantine, Hannibal, and HBO’s upcoming TV remake of Westworld. Marshall’s next film, Tales of Halloween will be released in theaters and on VOD beginning on October 16.

Additionally, Jordan Hayes (pictured above) has been signed as the first cast member for Poor Richard’s Almanack. She will portray Madison Fischer, a woman described as a “paranoid schizophrenic” who has to convince her CIA agent brother that she has stumbled upon a series of terrorist attacks designed to cripple the country.

Hayes previously starred in Syfy’s Helix, and she has made guest appearances on Nikita, Flashpoint, The Firm, and The Transporter: The Series. Hayes also co-starred in House at the End of the Street with Jennifer Lawrence and she appeared opposite Daniel Radcliffe in What If.

Poor Richard’s Almanack was created by Jim Danger Gray (Orange is the New Black), who will also executive produce the project for USA. The title is based on Benjamin Franklin’s annual almanac that was published the 18th century before the Revolutionary War. But the final title of the TV series could change before it goes to series.

Nerdist readers, are you intrigued by the additions of Neil Marshall and Jordan Hayes on this project? Let us know in the comment section below!

[Editor’s note: Nerdist Industries is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.]