‘NCIS’ Star Maria Bello to Appear in Upcoming Drama With Major A-Listers Attached

Today, Maria Bello portrays Forensic Psychologist (and part-time therapist to field agents), Jack Sloane, in the primetime procedural NCIS. She is a member of the NCIS Major Case Response Team and has been a pivotal player in the show since season 15. 

And though she has come to boast a sizable roll in the crime series, she remains a busy actress in Hollywood and boasts award-nominated performance from her roles in A History of Violence, Cooler, and more. In short, NCIS snagged quite the actor when they landed Bello. And, it looks like the actress has another major project on the horizon. 

Maria Bello to star in ‘The Water Man’

The Water Man is currently in post-production and should be coming down the pipeline soon. However, due to COVID-19 and the various impacts the pandemic has had on the film and TV industry, the movie is likely to premiere behind schedule.

The Water Man will follow a boy, willing to do anything to save his ill mother, as he sets out on a quest to find a mythic figure who is believed to possess magical healing powers. The drama is written by Emma Needell (previously featured on The Blacklist) and boasts quite the accomplished set of actors and behind-the-scenes industry professionals. 

‘NCIS’ star Maria Bello to work with David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, and more   

As Deadline notes, The Water Man will be David Oyelowo’s first feature directorial project. Oyelowo is well-known for playing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma; he also starred in A United Kingdom, Queen of Katwe, The Butler, and more. His on-screen accomplishments have led to two Golden Globe nominations, a BAFTA nomination, a Primetime Emmy nomination, and more. Now, the actor will see if he can transfer his performance skills to directorial finesse. 

As for Oprah Winfrey, she will work behind the scenes as the film’s executive producer. Since Winfrey is very selective concerning on-screen film appearances and behind-the-scenes involvement, hopes and expectations remain high for this film. 

Maria Bello will star alongside director Oyelowo, as well as Rosario Dawson (Seven Pounds, Trance, Sin City, RENT), Lonnie Chavis (This Is Us), and Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2, Raiders of the Lost Arc, Frida, Chocolat). The film boasts quite an impressive cast of character. 

Rosario Dawson will play the ill mother and Lonnie Chavis will play her son on the hunt for a magical healer. Oyelowo will play the son’s father, who proceeds to search for his son after he leaves to embark upon a journey, in which anything can happen. Maria Bello will likely continue her work in NCIS while taking some time to work on the film.