USA Orders BOURNE Prequel Series TREADSTONE

USA Network has ordered four scripted dramas to pilot, the cabler announced Thursday, one of which includes a prequel to the BOURNE series.

"As the #1 cable entertainment network for a record 12 years in a row, usa network delivers unmatched scale and momentum with a broad, diverse slate of programming," said Chris McCumber, president of entertainment networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. "These new pilots add to our dynamic scripted pipeline with the big auspices, top creative talent and bold characters that have become USA's signature."

Treadstone explores the origin story and present-day actions of a CIA BLACK OPS program known as Treadstone, a covert operation that uses behavior modification protocol to turn its agents into nearly unstoppable SUPERHUMAN assassins. Jason Bourne, the central character in Universal Pictures' "Bourne" film franchise, was a product of the program. The series follows new sleeper agents across the globe as they're mysteriously "awakened" to resume their deadly missions. "Heroes" creator Tim Kring serves as the writer and executive producer. Ramin Bahrani will direct the pilot and also serve as an executive producer. Ben Smith and Jeffrey Weiner will executive produce on behalf of Captivate. Justin Levy will executive produce alongside Bradley Thomas for Imperative Entertainment.