Tubefilter News

Crackle loves the hapless hopeful comedy. Today they rolled out another would-be hero trapped in a cloud of delusion with the launch of daredevil comedy Dusty Peacock. The 8-episode web series stars Gary Valentine, brother of King of Queens star Kevin James, as the eponymous and talentless daredevil trying to take his act to the big time.

As is often the case with celebrity-backed web series, the production is kept in the family. It’s touted on site as produced by Kevin James, and the writer (Rock Reuben) and cast all share some connection with James.

I chatted with Valentine who plays Peacock, to get his take on the colorful character. “Dusty Peacock is a man who consdiers himself an icon,” said Valentine. “He doesn’t have much talent but he has a lot of drive—this Criss Angel guy who thinks he’s a rock star, but doesn’t have the talent.”

Rounding out the James-fest is Melissa Peterman as Naomi Flood, Dusty’s money-hungry girlfriend; Nick Turturro (I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) as Dusty’s brother and pseudo-lawyer Stu Peacock, Nick Bakay (The King of Queens) as his manager and UFC champ Bas Rutten as Dusty’s hyped-up trainer.

Kevin James (King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop) is prepping Dusty Peacock, a new scripted comedy web series about a hopeless magician-illusionist who’s tricks just never seem to work. Word is that James will direct the series which is being developed by Sony Pictures Television for a late 2009 launch on Crackle.com. Gary Valentine, James’ older brother and fellow King of Queens star, will take the title role as the failed illusionist.

In case it isn’t enough of a King of Queens reunion for you, there’s Queens producer Rock Reuben who’s teaming up on this one. No word on the number of episodes planned, but fitting in with Crackle’s plan for four 13-week seasons per year, we expect 13 eps is a good guess.