Stay in the loop on industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles!
“Nine Perfect Strangers”
Gwyneth Paltrow may be dominating boutique wellness on Netflix (and in real life), but Hulu is taking a fictional approach to the timely trend in “Nine Perfect Strangers,” starring Nicole Kidman and based on “Big Little Lies” author Liane Moriarty’s novel of the same name. Nine strangers set off on what they expect to be a rejuvenating health and wellness retreat. With the promise of transformation and healing, the “stressed city dwellers” are instructed to follow their guide and resort director as they slowly become involved in something much darker than they signed up for; a best-selling romance novelist who is part of the group soon realizes that the commanding yet inspiring director has more in mind than a little rest and relaxation. David Rubin’s Firefly Casting has already filled two key roles: Nicole Kidman, who’s executive producing the series, will play Masha, the resort’s director, and Melissa McCarthy, also an executive producer, will step into the shoes of the novelist, Francis. Production is set to start in April in Los Angeles, but other locations may be used during the shoot.
“Kung Fu”
The CW is ready to go “fast as lightning” with its new pilot order, “Kung Fu.” While technically a reboot, the network is looking to put a new spin on an old classic. A Chinese-American woman drops out of college and heads to an isolated Chinese monastery for a life-changing experience. However, upon returning home, the young woman finds her town overrun by crime. Utilizing the skills she learned at the monastery, she sets out to rid the city of evildoers while simultaneously hunting down the person who killed her Shaolin mentor. The pilot has already assembled most of the cast with the help of Jennifer Cooper; Olivia Liang, Shannon Dang, Jon Prasida, Eddie Liu, Kheng Hua Tan, and Tzi Ma are all attached. The martial arts project is preparing for an early March shoot. As is the case for many CW properties, the project will film in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“On the Verge”
Over on Netflix, a circle of 40-something women lean on their strong bond while they try to navigate the ever-changing culture around them as their lives start to unravel. Through marriage, divorce, motherhood, and work, the women form a deep friendship, learning to support one another through all of life’s trials. Wendy O’Brien is casting the dramedy, which has already locked in Julie Delpy, who created the 12-episode series, co-wrote the pilot, and will executive produce, and Elisabeth Shue, who will also serve as an executive producer and co-lead. Shooting will start in May in L.A.
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