Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room.
“Little House on the Prairie”
Who says you can’t go home again? Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content, and Family Friendly Productions are developing a one-hour dramatic series reboot of the long-running NBC series “Little House on the Prairie,” as first reported by EW. Former NBC executive Ed Friendly acquired the film and television rights to Wilder’s novels and has since recruited Blanche Hanalis to write the teleplay for a two-hour pilot. Friendly asked original series star Michael Landon to direct the pilot, who agreed on the condition that he could return to play lead character Charles Ingalls. The original series, based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s bestselling novels, ran for nine seasons, from 1974 through 1982, and starred Landon, Melissa Gilbert, Karen Grassle, and Melissa Sue Anderson.
“WeCrashed”
First reported by Deadline, Jared Leto is in early discussions to star in the upcoming Apple TV+ series adaptation of the hit podcast “WeCrashed.” According to Deadline’s sources, discussions are ongoing and there is no confirmation the project will move forward, but if it does go through, Leto would play WeWork CEO Adam Neumann in the series. Regardless, “Crazy Stupid Love” and “This Is Us” directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa are on board to helm with Lee Eisenberg and Drew Crevello writing and executive producing. The podcast series told the tale of the rise and fall of WeWork and its founders. A casting team has yet to be announced, but a possible option is regular Ficarra/Requa collaborators Telsey + Company, who cast “This Is Us,” as well as the duo’s “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” “Focus,” and “I Love You Phillip Morris.”
“Super Freak”
Some not-so-super-freaky news: UCP is currently working on “Super Freak,” a new limited series in development based on the life of music icon Rick James. Written and executive produced by Randy McKinnon, the project is described as “a funkadelic mix of music biopic and true crime” and follows Rick James’ plans for a comeback in the early 90s amidst a heated trial. Nick Antosca (“The Act”) will executive produce under his overall deal with UCP, as will reporter Mike Sager (who profiled James for Rolling Stone in 1995), and Ty James, daughter of the late James.
“Wyrd”
“The Americans” star Matthew Rhys couldn’t stay away from his FX home for long. The actor is returning to the network to star and executive produce “Wyrd,” a drama inspired by the Dark Horse comic of the same name. Written by Sheldon Turner (“Up In the Air”), the story will take a little bit of a turn away from the comic series and centers on Wyrd, who was sent to earth in an attempt to better humanity and is forced to assimilate when his people don’t come for him—all while investigating paranormal activity and searching for a way home. The four-issue series was created by Curt Pires and Antonio Fuso and was launched last year and is described as “James Bond meets ‘The X-Files.’ ” Rhys will executive produce “Wyrd” alongside his partner and “The Americans” co-star Keri Russell. While no casting team has been announced, it’s worth watching “The Americans” CD Rori Bergman for the possible re-collaboration.
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!