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.
“Lockdown”
Director Doug Liman has officially locked down his next film, and at least one major star will likely be joining the cast. According to Deadline, Anne Hathaway is in final negotiations to star in the project, which was written by Steven Wright. Also rumored to join the key cast is Cillian Murphy, though an official deal has not yet been announced. “Lockdown” is expected to begin filming at the end of this month so expect to see final casting very soon. Liman most often works with casting director Mindy Marin on his projects, though he most recently worked with Nicole Abellera and Jeanne McCarthy to cast Charlie Kaufman’s upcoming “Chaos Walking.”
“Old-ish”
First came “Black-ish,” then “Grown-ish,” then “Mixed-ish,” and now, the latest addition to the franchise is “Old-ish.” ABC is reportedly developing a spinoff of the critically-acclaimed comedy that would focus on Earl “Pops” Johnson and Ruby Johnson, played by Laurence Fishburne and Jenifer Lewis, respectively, and reportedly give them a second chance at love as they move to a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Los Angeles together. “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris will write and executive produce. Considering the success of the franchise so far, getting past the development stage seems likely. Koczara/Shevchenko is the casting team for all three previous series, so expect them to return for the new one.
“Troop Beverly Hills”
Unpack your luxury tent: Sony Pictures has reportedly ordered a sequel to the hit 1989 comedy “Troop Beverly Hills.” Originally starring Shelley Long, the film followed a pampered L.A. housewife who roughs it to bond with her daughter and her fellow Wilderness Girls. Oran Zegman will helm the currently untitled sequel with “Woke” showrunner Aeysha Carr writing the screenplay (with an additional pass by Tamara Chestna). This or the currently optioned comedy “The Perfect Idiot” will be Zegman’s feature directorial debut, depending on which goes into production first.
“The Stratford”
First reported by Deadline, NBC has put into development “The Stratford,” a one-hour drama from Vincent Angell, Hazy Mills, and Universal TV. The new series will reimagine Shakespearean classics under the backdrop of a New York luxury hotel, centering on a young man’s search for his father’s killer. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner’s Hazy Mills will executive produce the series. Hayes and Milliner previously EPed NBC’s “Grimm,” which ran for six seasons on the network.
“The Westing Game”
HBO Max is looking to expand its young adult offerings and will turn to kid lit for its next potential series. The streamer is reportedly developing a series adaptation of the classic children’s mystery “The Westing Game.” Written by Ellen Raskin, the book opens on the death of millionaire Samuel Westing, and the reading of his will sets in motion a game for his sixteen heirs to compete for his $200 million fortune. Should HBO Max’s attempt make it to series, this would not be the first time the book has been adapted for the screen, following a TV movie in 1997. No writer is currently attached to the project, but MGM/UA Television (“Fargo,” “The Handmaid’s Tale”) is set to produce.
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