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This week’s roundup of who’s casting what starring whom
What’s Casting
A Killer Role
Renée Zellweger will take a sinister turn on the small screen
By Rebecca Welch
STAY IN THE LOOP ON INDUS-
try and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles!
Please note that shoot dates are subject to state and county restrictions and may change. Refer to Call Sheet for updates, and keep checking Backstage for the latest news on project development during this time.
Film actors are increasingly finding roles on the small screen. The latest in this phenomenon is Renée Zellweger, who has signed on to play Pam Hupp on the NBC limited series “The Thing About Pam.” The project is an adaptation of a “Dateline NBC” episode and its associated podcast, which focused on the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria and the suspicious details surrounding her death. All eyes turned to her husband, Russ, as the potential perpetrator, but his wrongful guilty
Get cast!
For more upcoming productions and casting news, visit backstage.com/news/casting conviction was ultimately overturned when it became clear that family friend Hupp was likely responsible for the crime. Zellweger is currently the only performer attached to the project; Terri Taylor Casting is looking for additional actors. Production on the true-crime drama is expected to start in mid-September.
Sterling K. Brown is set to executive produce “Washington Black,” a new limited series on Hulu. Based on the award-winning novel by Esi Edugyan, the series will follow the story of 11-year-old George Washington Black, who escapes from the Barbados sugar plantation where he’s enslaved. The boy goes on the run in the company of the plantation owner’s brother, an eccentric inventor, in his flying machine. The series, cast by Kamala A. Thomas, was a victim of the COVID-19 shutdowns and was subsequently pushed from the 2019–2020 programming calendar. The project is still looking for talent. Production is set to begin sometime in the first half of 2022 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson are coming together for “Meet Cute,” a film that will deconstruct classic romantic comedy tropes. The film’s premise centers on the idea of a couple going back in time to address the traumas that led to earlier dating failures. CD Amey René will be adding additional talent to the film, which will be written by Noga Pnueli and directed by Alex Lehmann (“Paddleton”). Production is aiming to begin in August. A location has not yet been announced.
For the latest news, check out backstage.com/resources to find thousands of production listings, casting directors, acting classes, agents, and more!
FILM
Julio Torres Starts His Next Act
By Casey Mink
WELL, THIS OUGHTA BE GOOD. “LOS
Espookys” creator Julio Torres is writing, directing and starring in a forthcoming comedy for A24, with Tilda Swinton also attached to star. Torres will additionally produce the still-untitled feature, alongside Emma Stone and Dave McCary, under their Fruit Tree banner. Further details about the project are being kept tightly under wraps, including additional casting and a production timeline. But needless to say, it is already highly anticipated.
