Sam Mendes to helm pilot of HBO comedy 'The Franchise'

Los Angeles: Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes will direct the pilot episode of the new HBO comedy "The Franchise".

According to entertainment news portal Deadline, the network has ordered the pilot for the comedy, which comes from Armando Iannucci, the creator of critically acclaimed series "Veep".

"The Franchise" is a half-hour project that takes a wry look at superhero moviemaking.

It follows a hopeful crew trapped inside the dysfunctional, nonsensical, joyous hellscape of franchise superhero movie making.

"If and when they finally make the day, the question they must face is whether this is Hollywood's new dawn or cinema's last stand? Is this a dream factory or a chemical plant?" as per the official synopsis.

The script has been penned by Jon Brown and Keith Akushie, with Iannucci collaborating with the duo on the pilot story.

Iannucci will serve as an executive producer alongside Mendes, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown and Julie Pastor.

Mendes, known for critical hits like "American Beauty", "1917", James Bond films "Skyfall" and "Spectre", recently wrapped production on his upcoming movie "Empire of Light", featuring Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Toby Jones and Colin Firth.