No Starring Role

A TV movie about the O.J. Simpson murder trial will feature all of the major figures in the landmark criminal case except one - Simpson himself. Lawrence Schiller, who co-authored “American Tragedy: The Uncensored Story of the Simpson Defense” with James Willwerth, said Monday the Simpson character will be “a presence” in the film but will not be depicted by an actor. Schiller’s book is the basis for the screenplay. “O.J. doesn’t exist in the film,” he said. “This is a film about attorneys dealing with evidence and the real process that goes on behind the scenes. Simpson will be a presence but not a character.” Schiller, who is producing the film, said it will be presented as a Sunday night three-hour special on ABC.