Maggie Gyllenhaal Joins Cast of HBO Drama Pilot THE DEUCE

Deadline reports that Maggie Gyllenhaal has signed on to star opposite James Franco in David Simon's HBO drama pilot THE DEUCE. The actress will also serve as producer of the project.

Set in the 1970's ad 80's, THE DEUCE centers on "the story of the legalization and subsequent rise of the porn industry in New York from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s, exploring the rough-and-tumble world that existed in midtown Manhattan until the rise of HIV, the violence of the cocaine epidemic and the renewed real estate market all ended the bawdy turbulence."

Gyllenhaal will take on the role of Eileen Merrell, street name "Candy," described as "a Times Square hooker and veteran with an entrepreneurial bent who is drawn into the fledgling porn industry."

The actress recently made her Broadway debut starring as "Annie" opposite Ewan McGregor in Roundabout Theatre Company's Tony® Award-winning play THE REAL THING, directed by Sam Gold.

Gyllenhaal achieved recognition in a supporting role in the independent cult film, Donnie Darko (2001). Her breakthrough role was in the sadomasochistic romance, Secretary (2002), for which she received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.

The actress has appeared in an eclectic range of films, including Sherrybaby (2006), for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe; the romantic comedy, Trust The Man (2006); and numerous big-budget films such as World Trade Center (2006) and The Dark Knight (2008).

She next starred in the musical-drama, CRAZY HEART (2009), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Gyllenhaal has also appeared in such theatrical plays as Closer (2000) as well as in television productions like Strip Search (2004).

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