Greenlit means a project is officially a go, so all you have to do is follow these leads to stay up to date. You never know where you’ll find an opportunity to land an audition!
“Pinocchio”
No lies here: the cast of the upcoming Disney live-action “Pinocchio” is growing. Benjamin Ainsworth will provide the voice of Pinocchio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt will provide the voice of Jiminy Cricket, and Cynthia Erivo will play the Blue Fairy in the retelling, joining a cast that includes Tom Hanks (Geppetto) and Luke Evans (The Coachman). Additionally, Keegan-Michael Key will provide the voice of Honest John, and Lorraine Bracco will voice Sofia the Seagull, a new character in the movie. This is one of two “Pinocchio” movies currently in development, the other a darker Netflix feature directed by Guillermo del Toro starring Gregory Mann, Cate Blanchett, Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Christoph Waltz, and more. Robert Zemeckis will direct the Disney version from a screenplay he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby and Chris Weitz.
“Chucky”
Ready to play? Casting has been announced for the upcoming USA Network and Syfy “Chucky series.” Zackary Arthur, Teo Briones, Alyvia Alyn Lind, and Björgvin Arnarson are set to star as series regulars and the four teen leads of the project. Additionally, Jennifer Tilly will reprise her role as Tiffany Valentine, and Devon Sawa will recur. Coming from movie franchise creator-writer Don Manchini, “Chucky” was ordered straight to series last year and will be set in an idyllic American town that is thrown into chaos after a vintage Chucky doll turns up at a suburban yard sale. Bonnie Zane is the series casting director.
“Roar”
After the too-early cancellation of Netflix’s “GLOW,” the creators are making their voices heard on a new project with help from some major stars. Apple TV+ has greenlit “Roar,” an anthology series starring Nicole Kidman, Cynthia Erivo, Merritt Wever, and “GLOW” star Alison Brie. The project, which has been in the works since 2018, will come from “GLOW” creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, who will co-showrun, and is based on Cecelia Ahern’s book of short stories. Each season will feature eight half-hour episodes told from a different woman’s point of view. A casting director has yet to be announced, but Flahive and Mensch last worked with “GLOW” CD Jennifer Euston.
“Lilly”
More feminist television news on this International Women’s Day: first reported by Variety, Patricia Clarkson is set to portray fair pay pioneer Lilly Ledbetter in the upcoming indie feature “Lilly.” Rachel Feldman will direct from a script she co-wrote with Adam Prince. The film is set for production in the coming months and will still be seeking distribution, as well as “planning an impact campaign devoted to equity and safety for women in the workplace timed to release.” Jennifer Presser is the casting director.
“892”
First reported by Deadline, “Lovecraft Country” star Jonathan Majors has found his next big role. Majors will star in “892,” directed by Abi Damaris Corbin making her feature directorial debut. The story follows a Marine war veteran “who suffers from mental scars and struggles with his transition back to civilian life.” Corbin and Kwame Kwei-Armah wrote the screenplay. Production is expected to begin this summer.
“Hello Kitty”
New Line has found its directorial team to bring “Hello Kitty” to life. The studio has tapped Jennifer Coyle and Leo Matsuda to direct an animated-live action hybrid feature about the trendsetting Japanese pop icon. It was announced back in 2019 that Lindsey Beer would write the script. Plot details for the film are being kept under wraps. No casting team has been announced.
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