HBO buys Leonardo DiCaprio executive-produced series

Los Angeles: Leonardo DiCaprio is coming to HBO -- in a behind-the-camera capacity, anyway.

HBO is developing a drama series based on the 2009 Josh Bazell novel ‘Beat the Reaper,’ with DiCaprio executive-producing. ‘Ocean`s Thirteen’ screenwriters Brian Koppleman and David Levien are penning the project, as well as co-executive producing. Also executive-producing are Jennifer Davisson Killoran, of DiCaprio`s production company Appian Way, and Julie Yorn, of LBI Entertainment, along with new Regency`s Arnon Milchan and New Regency alum Bob Harper and Hutch Parker. New Regency initially acquired the rights to the book, as a potential starring vehicle for DiCaprio. The Bazell novel revolves around a medical resident in the Federal Witness Protection Program, who describes his history as a mafia hitman through a series of flashbacks. In the present time, he must save a mob acquaintance from his past in order to prevent him from revealing the resident`s location to the local crime boss. Deadline first reported the news. Bureau Report