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Casting

Sep 10, 2026

Casting News: Michael Kelly Joins Landman, Sylvia Hoeks Boards Disavowed, and Netflix Opens New Casting

Casting News: Michael Kelly Joins Landman, Sylvia Hoeks Boards Disavowed, and Netflix Opens New Casting Several important casting updates have arrived this week, including a new series regular for Paramount+’s Landman, another major addition to Apple TV’s upcoming thriller Disavowed, and an open casting opportunity for Netflix’s newest dating series. Michael Kelly Joins Landman Season 3 Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kelly has officially joined Season 3 of Paramount+’s Landman as a series regular. Kelly will play William Crockett, the head of what Paramount describes as the world’s largest oil management firm. The character is presented as a powerful and highly successful figure in the oil industry. Kelly is known for House of Cards, Lioness, The Penguin and Jack Ryan. He joins a cast that includes Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia and Sam Elliott. Why it matters for casting Adding Michael Kelly as a series regular introduces another major character into the expanding world of Landman. It also shows how successful television series continue to strengthen their ensemble casts as they move into later seasons. Source: Paramount Press Express Read the official Paramount announcement Sylvia Hoeks Joins Apple TV’s Disavowed Dutch actress Sylvia Hoeks has joined Apple TV’s upcoming action-thriller series Disavowed as a series regular. Hoeks, known for Blade Runner 2049 and Apple TV’s See, joins James Marsden and Norman Reedus in the growing cast. Details about Hoeks’ character are currently being kept secret. The series follows Brad Griffin, played by Marsden, a CIA case officer who is suddenly fired while hunting an assassin responsible for killing his colleague. Griffin later decides to pursue the assassin himself and go after a $15 million federal bounty. Why it matters for casting Hoeks becoming a series regular is another major addition to the project. With Marsden, Reedus and Hoeks now attached, Disavowed is building a strong international ensemble for Apple TV. Source: Deadline / Yahoo Entertainment Read the casting report Netflix Opens Casting for New Dating Series Love at First Sight Netflix has announced a new reality dating series called Love at First Sight — and casting applications are now open. The show will bring a group of singles face-to-face and explore whether an immediate connection between two people can develop into a lasting relationship. Netflix is currently inviting people interested in taking part in the dating experiment to apply for the series. The project is executive produced by Jen O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn and comes from Velvet Hammer Media. Why it matters for casting Unlike traditional film or television casting announcements, this is an active casting opportunity. It gives new participants the chance to apply directly for a major Netflix unscripted production. Actors and talent should always check the official eligibility requirements and application terms before submitting personal information. Source: Netflix Tudum Official Netflix casting announcement and application information Casting Highlights Michael Kelly → Joins Landman Season 3 as William Crockett. Sylvia Hoeks → Joins Disavowed as a series regular alongside James Marsden and Norman Reedus. Netflix → Opens applications for participants in its new dating series Love at First Sight. Why These Stories Matter These three stories show different sides of today’s casting industry: established actors joining major productions, international performers entering new streaming projects, and open casting opportunities allowing new people to enter television.

Casting

Sep 9, 2026

Casting News: Major Ensemble Expansions, Franchise Returns and Prestige Voice Casting

Three new casting developments highlight different approaches shaping film production today: an international ensemble expanding around FKA Twigs in Josephine Baker, Netflix reuniting the original Inbetweeners cast, and The Turning Door placing a newcomer at the centre of an all-star voice ensemble. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Joins FKA Twigs in Josephine Baker Production has begun on Maïmouna Doucouré’s Josephine Baker, with filming taking place in France and Bulgaria. FKA Twigs stars as Josephine Baker, while Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is among the newly announced additions to the cast. Giuseppe Maggio, Grégory Montel, Benjamin Millepied, Féodor Atkine, Alex Lutz and Harmony Riley have also joined the production. Filming is scheduled from September 7 to November 13 across locations including Paris, the Dordogne and Sofia. Doucouré writes and directs, with Studiocanal and Bien Ou Bien Productions producing. Studiocanal is also handling worldwide sales. Why it matters for casting: The project is building an international ensemble around its central performer, combining American, British and European talent. For a biographical film about a globally recognised historical figure, that approach can help create a cast that reflects the international scope of Baker’s life and career. Source: Screen International Read the Screen International report Original The Inbetweeners Cast Reunites for Third Film Netflix has officially started production in the UK on The Inbetweeners 3, reuniting the four original leads. Simon Bird returns as Will McKenzie, James Buckley as Jay Cartwright, Blake Harrison as Neil Sutherland and Joe Thomas as Simon Cooper. Original creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris are also returning to write and direct the film. The new feature continues the Channel 4 comedy, which ran from 2008 to 2010 and was followed by films in 2011 and 2014. Why it matters for casting: This is a strong example of continuity casting. Rather than introducing new actors as established characters, the production is bringing back its complete central ensemble after more than a decade. Their existing chemistry and audience recognition are central to the identity of the franchise. Sources: Netflix / Screen International Netflix official announcement Screen International report Javier Bardem, Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Redgrave Join The Turning Door Javier Bardem, Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Redgrave have joined the voice cast of animated family fantasy The Turning Door. Swedish musician Anna von Hausswolff and newcomer Pippa Kelly have also joined, with Kelly voicing the young central character, Ariadlyn. They join an already high-profile ensemble featuring Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bill Nighy and Gillian Anderson. The film is written and directed by Nicholas Ashe Bateman and is currently in production. Why it matters for casting: One of the most interesting choices is placing newcomer Pippa Kelly at the centre of the story while surrounding her with internationally recognised performers. This kind of casting can give a new performer a major opportunity while the established supporting cast provides recognition and international market appeal. Sources: Screen International / Mister Smith Entertainment Screen International report Official The Turning Door page Why these casting stories matter Together, the three projects demonstrate very different casting strategies. Josephine Baker is expanding an internationally focused ensemble around its lead. The Inbetweeners 3 relies on the continuity and chemistry of an established cast. The Turning Door takes the opposite approach at its centre, giving a newcomer a leading role while surrounding her with major international names. For actors and casting professionals, these examples show that major productions are not built around one casting model. Franchise familiarity, international ensemble building and emerging-talent discovery can all play important roles depending on the needs of the project.

Casting

Sep 8, 2026

Casting News Roundup: Harry Potter, Netflix’s The Shooter and SNL UK Announce Major Cast Updates

The international casting landscape continues to move quickly, with major new announcements from HBO, Netflix and Sky. From the next generation of Harry Potter characters to a high-profile Korean action series and a new face joining Saturday Night Live UK, here are three important casting developments to watch. HBO’s Harry Potter Casts Dobby, Tom Riddle and a New Ginny Weasley HBO has revealed three significant additions to the second season of its upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation. Lenny Rush has been cast as Dobby, while Billy Barratt will portray the young Tom Riddle, the Hogwarts student who eventually becomes Lord Voldemort. Bonnie Hill will take over the role of Ginny Weasley beginning with Season 2. Gracie Cochrane will still appear as Ginny during the first season but will not continue in the role after leaving future seasons because of what was described as “unforeseen circumstances.” The second season is expected to adapt J.K. Rowling's second novel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, introducing several characters who become increasingly important to Harry's story. Why it matters for casting The announcement is particularly interesting because it combines new character casting with a major recasting decision. Long-running franchises require casting teams to think beyond a single season, considering an actor's suitability for a character who may develop across several years of production. It also demonstrates how even major franchises sometimes need to adjust casting plans as production develops. Source: TheWrap – Harry Potter casting announcement Netflix Builds Powerful Korean Ensemble for Action Series The Shooter Netflix has confirmed production of its upcoming Korean action-noir series ** The Shooter **, with Lee Jung-eun and Kim Moo-yul leading a large ensemble cast. They will be joined by Huh Joon-ho, Choi Sung-eun, Bae Na-ra, Seo Hyun-woo and Moon Jong-won. The series is directed by Lee Kwon, known for A Shop for Killers. Lee Jung-eun plays Jeong Suk-ja, a woman in her seventies who has lived an ordinary life until an incident involving the grandson she raised pushes her toward revenge. She eventually finds herself confronting the powerful criminal organisation connected to the Chunghwa Group. Kim Moo-yul plays Seo Yeon-woo, who becomes connected to Suk-ja's revenge journey. Why it matters for casting Rather than relying on a single star, The Shooter is being built around an ensemble of established and emerging Korean performers. The casting also puts a woman in her seventies at the centre of an action-noir story, expanding the type of characters traditionally selected to lead action-focused productions. The project is another example of Korean productions being developed from the beginning for both domestic and international streaming audiences. Official Source: Netflix – The Shooter production and casting announcement Additional Source: South China Morning Post – Korean drama casting roundup Freddie Meredith Joins Saturday Night Live UK Season 2 British actor and comedian Freddie Meredith has officially joined the cast of ** Saturday Night Live UK ** for its second season. Meredith comes from a mixed performance background encompassing drama school, professional theatre, stand-up comedy and online sketch comedy. His Edinburgh Fringe debut, Need a Light?, also received a Best Newcomer Award nomination. He joins returning cast members including Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young. Season 2 launches on 12 September 2026 on Sky and NOW, with additional episodes planned for early 2027. Why it matters for casting Meredith's path into SNL UK reflects an increasingly important trend in contemporary casting: performers are no longer discovered through television and film credits alone. Theatre experience, stand-up, live performance and short-form digital sketches can all become part of an actor or comedian's professional portfolio. For emerging performers, it is another reminder that developing skills across several platforms can create opportunities in larger television productions. Official Source: Sky – Freddie Meredith joins SNL UK Season 2 What These Casting Decisions Tell Us These three announcements show three different sides of today's casting industry. Harry Potter demonstrates the complexity of building and maintaining a cast for a long-term global franchise. The Shooter highlights the growing international reach of Korean ensemble casting and unconventional action leads. SNL UK shows that theatre, stand-up and digital content can all provide pathways into major television productions. For actors, the message is clear: there is no single route into professional casting anymore.

Casting

Sep 7, 2026

Casting News: The Inbetweeners 3 Reunites Original Cast as Korea’s Your Ground Reveals Main Lineup

Two new casting announcements from the UK and South Korea highlight very different sides of today’s screen industry. Netflix is bringing the original stars of The Inbetweeners back together, while MBC has completed the main cast of its upcoming Korean sports-romance drama Your Ground. The Inbetweeners 3 Brings Back Its Original Cast 🇬🇧 Netflix has officially confirmed that Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison and Joe Thomas will return for The Inbetweeners 3. The four actors will reprise their well-known roles as Will McKenzie, Jay Cartwright, Neil Sutherland and Simon Cooper. Production officially began in the UK on September 7, 2026. Original creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris are also returning to write and direct the new film. The project continues the popular British comedy franchise, which began as a television series before expanding into two successful films released in 2011 and 2014. Why It Matters for Casting Returning franchises often depend on familiar actors to reconnect with their existing audience. However, new films can also introduce supporting characters, guest performers and younger talent around the returning cast. For actors, it is a reminder that established franchises can continue creating new casting opportunities even when the main roles are already filled. Han Hyo Joo and Gong Myoung Lead MBC’s Your Ground 🇰🇷 MBC has confirmed the main cast of its upcoming drama Your Ground, currently a literal English title. Han Hyo Joo will play Seo Hee Seung, a successful former lawyer who unexpectedly enters the professional baseball world as a sports agent. Gong Myoung stars as Kang Hae Hwan, a talented pitcher whose career is interrupted by a major setback. His meeting with Seo Hee Seung gives him another chance to pursue his dream of returning to the field. The main cast also includes Kim Shin Rok as the CEO of a leading sports agency and Sung Joon as another pitcher who becomes both a friend and rival to Kang Hae Hwan. The series combines baseball, romance, friendship, competition and career drama and is currently scheduled to premiere toward the end of 2026. Why It Matters for Casting Your Ground shows how Korean dramas continue to explore character types beyond traditional romance roles. The sports setting creates opportunities for actors to play athletes, agents, managers, coaches, lawyers, team members and other supporting characters. For performers, this is also a good example of why having believable professional skills, physical preparation and strong character work can become important when auditioning for specialised roles. What These Casting Stories Show These two productions represent different casting strategies. The Inbetweeners 3 uses the power of an established ensemble cast, bringing actors back to characters audiences already know. Your Ground is building a new ensemble around several different professional and personal relationships. For actors and emerging talent, both approaches show an important part of the casting industry: a production needs much more than its lead actors. Supporting characters and strong ensemble performers remain essential to building a complete screen world. Sources & Resources The Inbetweeners 3 Netflix Official Announcement Netflix Tudum – Cast and Production Details Variety – Original Cast Confirmed Your Ground Soompi – Main Cast and Broadcast Plans Star News Korea – Official Cast Details

Casting

Sep 6, 2026

Casting News: Maya Jama, Anne Hathaway, Jason Momoa & More Join Major Projects

Casting News: Maya Jama, Anne Hathaway, Jason Momoa & More Join Major Projects Major casting moves are shaping upcoming film and television projects, from Maya Jama’s reported return to The Gentlemen to Anne Hathaway joining Tom Cruise and a star-filled new crime thriller led by Miles Teller. Maya Jama Reportedly Set to Return for The Gentlemen Season 3 🇬🇧 Maya Jama is reportedly set to return as Aisha for a third season of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. The television presenter expanded into scripted acting with her appearance in Season 2, joining a cast led by Theo James and Kaya Scodelario. Reports following the release of the new season say Jama is expected to continue with the series after a positive response to her performance. Why It Matters for Casting Jama’s transition from presenting into a major scripted Netflix production demonstrates how casting directors increasingly look beyond traditional acting backgrounds when a performer has the right presence, personality and suitability for a character. Source: Times of India / ETimes Read the Maya Jama casting report Anne Hathaway Joins Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder Follow-Up 🏁 Anne Hathaway has joined Tom Cruise in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming follow-up to the 1990 racing film Days of Thunder. Cruise will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, while Hathaway will play a race-team owner and engineer. It will mark the first time the two global stars have worked together. Jonathan Levine is directing from a screenplay by Will Staples, while Cruise is producing alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Paramount has scheduled the film for a June 2, 2028 theatrical release, with production designed for IMAX. Why It Matters for Casting Pairing Anne Hathaway with Tom Cruise gives the legacy franchise two internationally recognised leading actors from very different screen backgrounds. It is also another example of studios using high-profile casting to relaunch established film properties for a new generation. Source: Variety / Screen International Read Variety's casting report Jason Momoa, Kiefer Sutherland, Adria Arjona & Tenoch Huerta Join Copperhead 🎬 The upcoming crime thriller Copperhead has expanded into a major ensemble production. Jason Momoa, Kiefer Sutherland, Adria Arjona and Tenoch Huerta have joined Miles Teller, who was already attached to lead the film. The story follows a veteran detective who is forced to work with a young federal agent after an undercover drug operation erupts into violence. Their investigation leads them toward a conspiracy inside their own elite task force. John Swab will direct from a screenplay by Chad Feehan and J. Todd Scott, with production scheduled to begin in September. Character details for the newly announced actors are currently being kept secret. Why It Matters for Casting Rather than relying on one major celebrity, Copperhead is being built around a strong ensemble. The combination of Miles Teller, Jason Momoa, Kiefer Sutherland, Adria Arjona and Tenoch Huerta brings together performers associated with major action franchises, television and prestige film. It shows how ensemble casting can itself become part of a film's international marketability. Source: Screen International / Deadline Read Screen International's report Art City Casting Perspective These three stories highlight different casting strategies currently being used across major productions: Maya Jama — bringing talent from outside a traditional acting career into scripted television. Anne Hathaway + Tom Cruise — combining two globally recognised stars for a major franchise revival. Copperhead — building a powerful ensemble rather than depending on one leading name. For actors, they are also reminders that casting is not based on one formula. Experience, screen presence, character suitability, marketability and the chemistry of an overall ensemble can all influence who gets selected.

Casting

Sep 5, 2026

International Casting News: Harry Potter Reveals Key Season 2 Roles as Heated Rivalry Adds Milla Jovovich

International Casting News: Harry Potter Reveals Key Season 2 Roles as Heated Rivalry Adds Milla Jovovich September 5, 2026 Two major television productions have expanded their casts with significant new additions. HBO’s Harry Potter adaptation has found its young Tom Riddle, Dobby and a new Ginny Weasley, while Canadian drama Heated Rivalry is bringing Milla Jovovich, Kevin Zegers and Paul Gross into its second season. Here are the latest casting developments. HBO’s Harry Potter Casts Tom Riddle, Dobby and a New Ginny Weasley HBO has announced three important additions to Season 2 of its Harry Potter television adaptation, which will move the story into the events of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. British actor Billy Barratt has been cast as Tom Riddle, the younger version of the character who eventually becomes Lord Voldemort. Barratt is known for projects including Bring Her Back and Apple TV+ series Invasion. BAFTA-winning actor Lenny Rush will portray Dobby, the house-elf who becomes one of Harry Potter’s important allies. Meanwhile, Bonnie Hill has been selected as the new Ginny Weasley. Hill replaces Gracie Cochrane, who portrayed Ginny during the first season but departed before Season 2. The three roles are especially significant because Chamber of Secrets substantially expands the stories of Ginny, Dobby and Tom Riddle. Why It Matters for Casting The casting of Billy Barratt as Tom Riddle is particularly notable because the character plays a central role in the mythology surrounding Voldemort. At the same time, casting Lenny Rush as Dobby demonstrates how performance casting remains important even for characters that will rely heavily on visual effects. Replacing Ginny between seasons also shows one of the challenges of building a long-running adaptation around young actors: producers must consider both the immediate performance and how performers can develop alongside their characters across multiple seasons. Sources: Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Los Angeles Times. Read the Deadline casting report Milla Jovovich, Kevin Zegers & Paul Gross Join Heated Rivalry Season 2 Heated Rivalry is expanding its Season 2 ensemble with three recognizable performers: Milla Jovovich, Kevin Zegers and Paul Gross. Jovovich, internationally known for films including The Fifth Element and the Resident Evil franchise, will play Dr. Galina Molchalina, a psychologist who works with Ilya Rozanov. Kevin Zegers has been cast as Brandon Wiebe, coach of the Ottawa Centaurs, while veteran Canadian actor Paul Gross will portray hockey commissioner Roger Crowell. They join returning leads Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who play rival professional hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. The second season has been building a considerably larger ensemble. Other previously announced additions include Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie, Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding, Robert Naylor, Sabrina Jalees and Priyanka. Season 2 is expected in 2027, with the series airing on Crave in Canada and streaming on HBO Max in the United States. Why It Matters for Casting Adding Milla Jovovich represents an important shift in the scale of the show’s casting. The series originally built much of its popularity around emerging performers, particularly its central leads. Bringing an internationally established film star into Season 2 can expand the production’s visibility beyond its existing audience. Zegers and Gross also add experienced Canadian performers to a series that has become one of Canada’s increasingly visible international television exports. Sources: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter and UPI. Read the Deadline casting report What These Castings Show These announcements highlight two different casting strategies. Harry Potter is carefully selecting young performers for characters audiences already know extremely well, where expectations around appearance, personality and long-term character development are unusually high. Heated Rivalry is doing the opposite: expanding an established ensemble by introducing more recognizable performers as the series grows internationally. Both demonstrate that casting is not simply about choosing famous actors. It is about finding performers who support the next stage of a production’s story, audience and identity.

Casting

Sep 3, 2026

Casting News Today: Major Stars Join The Turning Door, Wentworth: Halfway Home and Korean Film Nam Eun-jung

Casting News Today: Major Stars Join The Turning Door, Wentworth: Halfway Home and Korean Film Nam Eun-jung September 3, 2026 A new wave of international casting announcements is bringing together Oscar-winning stars, established television talent and some of South Korea’s most recognizable actors. Today’s casting roundup includes Javier Bardem, Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Redgrave, Australian star Rachel Griffiths, and Korean actors Park Eun-bin, Yum Jung-ah and Wi Ha-joon. Here are three casting developments worth watching. Javier Bardem, Marion Cotillard & Vanessa Redgrave Join The Turning Door Oscar winners Javier Bardem, Marion Cotillard and Vanessa Redgrave have joined the voice cast of upcoming animated fantasy film The Turning Door. Swedish musician Anna von Hausswolff and newcomer Pippa Kelly have also joined the project. They become part of an already impressive ensemble featuring Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bill Nighy and Gillian Anderson. Written and directed by filmmaker and artist Nicholas Ashe Bateman, the story follows a young girl who discovers a mysterious box hidden in her parents’ closet. The box eventually transforms into a doorway that takes her into a magical world known as The Turning. The cast will also perform original songs and music written by Bateman and Claire Givens. Production is now underway, while Mister Smith Entertainment is handling international sales around the TIFF market. Why It Matters for Casting The Turning Door is building an unusually prestigious voice ensemble. Bringing together several Academy Award winners alongside established international actors gives the independent animated project significant global visibility. It also demonstrates how voice casting has become an important way for animated films to build international market appeal before release. Source: Screen Daily Additional Source: Deadline Rachel Griffiths Joins Wentworth: Halfway Home Australian actress Rachel Griffiths has joined the cast of Wentworth: Halfway Home, the upcoming continuation of the successful Australian drama Wentworth. Griffiths, known for Six Feet Under, Muriel’s Wedding and Hilary and Jackie, will play Moira, a glamorous former beauty therapist who served prison time for fraud and is now living at Sal’s Halfway House. Actress Sophie Lowe has also joined the new series. Several familiar Wentworth performers are returning, including Katrina Milosevic as Susan “Boomer” Jenkins, Nicole da Silva as Franky Doyle and Kate Box as Lou Kelly. The new story takes place after the events of Wentworth and follows Boomer after her release from prison as she attempts to rebuild her life and regain custody of her daughter. Production is underway in Melbourne, with the series set for BINGE and Foxtel. Why It Matters for Casting Griffiths brings significant international recognition to the revival of one of Australia’s best-known television dramas. The casting strategy combines popular returning characters with high-profile new performers, allowing the production to maintain continuity for existing fans while creating a new identity for the spin-off. Source: Deadline Additional Source: BINGE/Foxtel announcement Park Eun-bin, Yum Jung-ah & Wi Ha-joon Join Korean Film Nam Eun-jung Upcoming South Korean film Nam Eun-jung has officially completed its principal cast and began filming on September 3. The cast includes Yum Jung-ah, Park Eun-bin, Wi Ha-joon, Lee Ki-taek and Lee Min-ji. The film centers on Kang Hyun-sook, played by Yum Jung-ah, and her youngest daughter Nam Eun-jung, played by Park Eun-bin. After years of conflict and misunderstandings, the mother and daughter struggle with a relationship that has become increasingly distant. Wi Ha-joon plays Park Sun-woo, Eun-jung’s supportive boyfriend, while Lee Ki-taek and Lee Min-ji play Eun-jung’s siblings, Nam Eun-chul and Nam Eun-mi. The movie will be directed by Kim Dong-hoon, marking his feature-film directorial debut. Why It Matters for Casting This project brings together performers from different generations of Korean film and television. The relationship between Yum Jung-ah and Park Eun-bin will be particularly important because the emotional conflict between mother and daughter sits at the center of the story. Meanwhile, the addition of Wi Ha-joon, whose work has gained strong international recognition, gives the project additional global audience appeal. For casting professionals, Nam Eun-jung is a good example of how ensemble chemistry can become more important than simply assembling famous names, especially in character-driven family dramas. Source: Soompi What Today’s Casting News Shows These three announcements represent very different approaches to casting. The Turning Door is using an internationally recognized, award-winning voice ensemble to strengthen an ambitious animated fantasy. Wentworth: Halfway Home combines established franchise performers with major new additions such as Rachel Griffiths. And Nam Eun-jung is building its film around the emotional chemistry of a strong Korean ensemble. Together, they demonstrate how successful casting can serve different purposes: international recognition, franchise continuity, character chemistry and audience expansion.

Casting

Sep 2, 2026

Today’s Casting News: Marvel Adds Noah Jupe, Kit Connor Leads PRƎPPY, and Forrest Goodluck Boards Skin Games

Today’s Casting News: Marvel Adds Noah Jupe, Kit Connor Leads PRƎPPY, and Forrest Goodluck Boards Skin Games September 2, 2026 The latest casting announcements bring together major studio franchises, true-crime drama and independent cinema. From Marvel Studios expanding the cast of Avengers: Secret Wars to Kit Connor and Diana Silvers taking on a new crime story and Forrest Goodluck leading an independent road-trip drama, here are three casting developments to watch today. Noah Jupe Joins Avengers: Secret Wars in Major Mystery Role British actor Noah Jupe, known for A Quiet Place, Honey Boy and Hamnet, has officially joined Marvel Studios’ upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars. Marvel is keeping Jupe’s character secret for now, but Deadline reports that he has been cast in a key role in the highly anticipated superhero film. Variety has also confirmed his addition to the cast. Joe and Anthony Russo are directing Secret Wars, which follows Avengers: Doomsday and is currently scheduled for theatrical release on December 17, 2027. Why It Matters for Casting Jupe has built his career largely through dramatic and character-driven roles, and joining one of Marvel’s largest upcoming productions represents a major step into blockbuster filmmaking. The secrecy around his character also makes this casting particularly interesting. Marvel continues to introduce younger performers into significant roles while combining them with established MCU stars and returning characters. Source: Deadline Read the Deadline report Additional Source: Variety Read the Variety report Kit Connor and Diana Silvers Cast as Leads in PRƎPPY Kit Connor, best known internationally for Netflix’s Heartstopper, and Diana Silvers, known for Booksmart and Ma, have been cast as the leads of the upcoming feature film PRƎPPY. The film is inspired by the case surrounding the 1986 killing of Jennifer Levin, a case that became widely known in the United States as the “Preppy Killer” case. Zola filmmaker Janicza Bravo is directing the project for STX Entertainment and Aggregate Films, with a screenplay by David Levine and Rose Lichter-Marck. The project comes during a significant period in Connor’s film career. Deadline also reports that the actor has been cast as Cyclops in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men movie. Why It Matters for Casting For Connor, PRƎPPY shows a move toward more mature dramatic roles outside the young-adult world that made him internationally recognizable. For Silvers, the film provides another major dramatic lead and places both actors at the center of a real-life story that will depend heavily on performance and character interpretation. It is also an interesting example of casting actors associated with younger audiences in darker and more complex material. Source: Deadline Read the Deadline report Forrest Goodluck Leads Independent Road-Trip Drama Skin Games Forrest Goodluck, known for his role in The Revenant, has joined Phillip Forest Lewitski in the upcoming independent feature Skin Games. The cast also includes Carmen Moore, Joel D. Montgrand and William Belleau. The film marks the feature directing debut of cinematographer Jon B. Elliot and is currently filming in Vancouver and other locations in British Columbia, Canada. Skin Games follows two young men who meet while incarcerated in Vancouver before setting out on a journey toward New Mexico. The project is also being presented to international buyers at TIFF: The Market, the Toronto International Film Festival’s industry marketplace. Why It Matters for Casting Unlike the huge franchise scale of Avengers: Secret Wars, Skin Games demonstrates another important side of casting: building an independent film around a carefully selected ensemble. Goodluck and Lewitski are performers with experience in character-focused projects, while the supporting cast adds several Indigenous actors to the production. For actors, it is another reminder that important career opportunities are not limited to major studio productions. Independent films and international markets can also create significant visibility for emerging and established performers. Source: The Hollywood Reporter Read The Hollywood Reporter story What These Castings Tell Us Today’s announcements show three very different casting strategies. Avengers: Secret Wars is adding a rising dramatic actor to one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. PRƎPPY places two younger stars at the center of a challenging true-crime story. Meanwhile, Skin Games is building an independent ensemble around actors whose performances and character chemistry will carry the film. For actors and casting professionals, these projects demonstrate how casting continues to move across blockbuster franchises, prestige drama and independent cinema, creating different paths for performers at different stages of their careers.

Casting

Sep 1, 2026

International Casting News: Stephen Kalyn Joins The Housemaid’s Secret, Shadow Has Fallen Expands Cast & Malamaal Weekly 2 Adds New Stars

International Casting News: Stephen Kalyn Joins The Housemaid’s Secret, Shadow Has Fallen Expands Cast & Malamaal Weekly 2 Adds New Stars September 1, 2026 New casting announcements are expanding major productions across Hollywood, the UK, South Africa and India. Stephen Kalyn has landed a major role opposite Sydney Sweeney, Shadow Has Fallen has added three internationally known actors, and Malamaal Weekly 2 continues building a large Bollywood ensemble. 🇺🇸 Stephen Kalyn Joins Sydney Sweeney in The Housemaid’s Secret Off Campus breakout Stephen Kalyn has officially joined Lionsgate’s upcoming thriller The Housemaid’s Secret, the sequel to the successful 2025 film The Housemaid. Kalyn will play Brock Cunningham, a lawyer who is in a relationship with Millie Calloway, played again by Sydney Sweeney. The expanding cast also includes Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Snow and Paul Anthony Kelly, while Michele Morrone returns as Enzo. Paul Feig is returning to direct the sequel. Kalyn gained wider attention through Prime Video’s Off Campus, where he plays Dean Di Laurentis. His move into The Housemaid’s Secret marks another major step in his growing screen career. Why it matters for casting Kalyn’s casting shows how quickly a breakout performance in a streaming series can lead to opportunities in major studio films. He is moving from a popular streaming adaptation into an established Lionsgate franchise alongside several high-profile actors. Source: PEOPLE – Stephen Kalyn Joins The Housemaid Sequel 🌍 Iwan Rheon, Brendan Coyle & Atandwa Kani Join Shadow Has Fallen The Has Fallen television franchise is expanding its international cast for its third season, titled Shadow Has Fallen. Iwan Rheon, known for Game of Thrones, Brendan Coyle from Downton Abbey, and South African actor Atandwa Kani, known internationally for Black Panther, have joined the new season. Returning stars Ritu Arya and Tewfik Jallab will reprise their roles as MI6 operative Zara Taylor and former French Secret Service agent Vincent Taleb. Rheon will play Miles, a whistleblower who possesses a potentially devastating cyber weapon. Production has already begun, with filming taking place across the United Kingdom and South Africa. Why it matters for casting The new season brings together performers from different international markets and backgrounds. Casting established British and African actors also reflects the increasingly global approach being taken by major television franchises. Source: Deadline – Shadow Has Fallen Season 3 Casting 🇮🇳 Esha Deol & Soniya Bansal Join Malamaal Weekly 2 Bollywood comedy sequel Malamaal Weekly 2 continues to expand its ensemble cast, with Esha Deol and actor and Bigg Boss 17 personality Soniya Bansal becoming the latest performers to join the project. They join an already large cast that includes Raveena Tandon, Parineeti Chopra, Rajpal Yadav, Fardeen Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar and Shilpa Shirodkar. The film will be directed by Amit Joshi, and production is currently expected to begin in November 2026. According to reports, the sequel will feature a new storyline while retaining the basic comic idea of ordinary people becoming caught up in chaos involving money, greed and sudden wealth. Why it matters for casting Malamaal Weekly 2 is building an unusually broad ensemble that combines established Bollywood performers, returning actors and personalities who have gained recognition through newer entertainment platforms. For casting professionals, it is another example of how large commercial productions increasingly mix different generations and types of screen talent within the same project. Source: Bollywood Hungama – Esha Deol and Soniya Bansal Join Malamaal Weekly 2 What Do Today’s Casting Announcements Show? These three casting stories highlight different routes actors can take into major productions. Stephen Kalyn demonstrates how a breakout streaming performance can quickly open the door to studio films. Shadow Has Fallen shows the importance of international casting for globally distributed television, while Malamaal Weekly 2 demonstrates the value of combining established stars with performers from different generations and platforms. For actors, the wider lesson is clear: casting opportunities today are increasingly moving across film, television, streaming and international markets rather than remaining limited to one part of the entertainment industry.

Casting

Aug 31, 2026

International Casting News: John Slattery, Brandon Butler, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj Join Major Productions

International Casting News: John Slattery, Brandon Butler, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj Join Major Productions August 31, 2026 The latest international casting updates bring new additions to major television and film productions in the United States and India. John Slattery joins Jeremy Strong in a Paramount+ limited series, Brandon Butler returns to Days of Our Lives as a completely new character, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj take important new roles in Drishyam: The Conclusion. John Slattery Joins Jeremy Strong in Paramount+’s The Best of Us Emmy-nominated actor John Slattery, known for Mad Men and Spotlight, has joined Jeremy Strong in Paramount+’s upcoming six-episode limited series The Best of Us. Slattery will play James Leavitt, an experienced defense lawyer hired by New York City Hall to fight a class-action lawsuit. The series is inspired by the legal battle to secure justice and compensation for first responders who became seriously ill following the September 11 attacks. The project is written and directed by Tobias Lindholm, with Frank Pugliese also serving as writer and executive producer. Why It Matters for Casting The series continues to build a strong dramatic ensemble around Jeremy Strong. Casting John Slattery adds another experienced television and film performer to a project built around high-stakes legal and character-driven drama. Source: Paramount Press Express Official casting announcement: August 26, 2026 Brandon Butler Returns to Days of Our Lives as Mason Whitfield Brandon Butler is returning to the long-running series Days of Our Lives, but this time he will play an entirely different character. Butler has been cast as Mason Whitfield, a new student who enters the Salem storyline through Holly. His first episode as Mason is scheduled to air on September 1, 2026. The actor previously appeared on Days of Our Lives in 2025 as Zack Brady, the late son of Bo and Hope Brady. Instead of returning to that role, Butler is now being introduced into the series as a completely new character. Why It Matters for Casting Recasting a familiar actor as a different character is an interesting television casting decision. It demonstrates how producers can bring back performers they have previously worked with while giving them an entirely new place within an established series. Sources: Soap Opera Digest / Michael Fairman TV Casting announcement: August 27, 2026 Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj Join Drishyam: The Conclusion The cast of the upcoming Indian crime thriller Drishyam: The Conclusion is expanding with two major additions: Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj. The film brings back Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar alongside Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta and other returning cast members. New character posters have now confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat will play Rajveer Singh Tomar, an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigator into Vijay Salgaonkar’s story. Prakash Raj joins the franchise as lawyer Indrajith Shetty, adding another important new figure to the conflict surrounding Vijay and his family. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam: The Conclusion is scheduled to reach cinemas on October 2, 2026 and is being presented as the final chapter of the Hindi Drishyam story. Why It Matters for Casting Instead of simply relying on the franchise’s returning characters, the film is introducing two respected performers in important new roles. Ahlawat’s Crime Branch officer and Prakash Raj’s lawyer could significantly change the balance of the investigation surrounding Vijay Salgaonkar. Sources: Cinema Express / The Week / Filmfare Latest character reveal: August 29, 2026

Casting

Aug 30, 2026

International Casting News: Anne Hathaway Joins Days of Thunder, Elizabeth Hurley Enters The ’Burbs, and Scooby-Doo: Origins Expands Its Cast

International Casting News: Anne Hathaway Joins Days of Thunder, Elizabeth Hurley Enters The ’Burbs, and Scooby-Doo: Origins Expands Its Cast August 30, 2026 The latest international casting news brings a major new pairing to the big screen, a new series regular to Peacock, and two recognizable performers to Netflix’s upcoming live-action Scooby-Doo series. Anne Hathaway Joins Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder Follow-Up NEW TODAY — August 30, 2026 Anne Hathaway has officially joined Tom Cruise as co-lead in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming follow-up to Days of Thunder. Cruise will return as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, the character he first played in the 1990 film. Hathaway will play a race-car team owner and engineer. Jonathan Levine, known for Long Shot, is confirmed to direct. Cruise is also producing alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Paramount has scheduled the film for theatrical release on June 2, 2028, with plans to release it in premium formats including IMAX. Why it is interesting for casting This marks the first major film pairing of Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway. It also introduces Hathaway as a new central character rather than simply bringing back characters from the original film. Source: Variety Read the Variety report Elizabeth Hurley Joins The ’Burbs Season 2 Announced August 27, 2026 British actress Elizabeth Hurley has joined the second season of Peacock’s mystery-comedy series The ’Burbs as a series regular. Hurley will play Beverly Fisher, the mother of Rob Fisher, played by Jack Whitehall. She joins returning cast members Keke Palmer, Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch and Kapil Talwalkar. Details about the storyline for Season 2 are currently being kept secret. The series is a modern reimagining inspired by the 1989 horror-comedy film The ’Burbs. Why it is interesting for casting Hurley is joining as a series regular, not simply as a guest star. This suggests Beverly Fisher could become an important part of Rob’s story and the wider mystery in Season 2. Sources: Deadline, Peacock Read the Deadline report via Yahoo Learn more about The ’Burbs on Peacock André 3000 and Cathy Moriarty Join Scooby-Doo: Origins Announced August 27, 2026 André Benjamin, better known as André 3000, and actress Cathy Moriarty have joined Netflix’s upcoming live-action series Scooby-Doo: Origins. Both performers will appear in recurring roles, although Netflix has not yet revealed which characters they will play. They join a young main cast featuring: Mckenna Grace as Daphne Blake Tanner Hagen as Shaggy Rogers Abby Ryder Fortson as Velma Dinkley Maxwell Jenkins as Fred Jones The story follows the young Mystery Inc. characters during their final summer at camp, where they encounter a lost Great Dane puppy connected to a mysterious supernatural case. The live-action series is currently in production and is expected to launch globally on Netflix in 2027. Why it is interesting for casting Netflix is keeping the characters played by André 3000 and Cathy Moriarty secret, making their casting part of the mystery surrounding the new adaptation. Their recurring status also suggests that both could have important roles beyond a single episode. Sources: Netflix Tudum, Netflix Media Center Netflix Tudum casting announcement Scooby-Doo: Origins — Netflix Media Center Why These Casting Stories Matter These three announcements show different approaches to casting across film and streaming. Paramount is pairing two major stars for a high-profile legacy sequel, Peacock is adding an established British actress as a permanent member of an existing ensemble, and Netflix is continuing to build a large cast around a new generation of Scooby-Doo characters. For actors and casting professionals, they also show how productions continue expanding their casts at different stages—from major leading roles to series regulars and recurring characters.

Casting

Aug 29, 2026

International Casting News: Kate Winslet, Al Madrigal and Hooters: The Movie

International Casting News: Kate Winslet, Al Madrigal and Hooters: The Movie August 29, 2026 The latest international casting updates bring new developments from Netflix and NBC, while a new feature film has officially begun searching for its cast. Here are three casting stories to know. Kate Winslet and Maxine Peake Lead Netflix’s The Unheard Kate Winslet and Maxine Peake will star as sisters in Netflix’s upcoming five-part limited series The Unheard. The thriller follows two sisters who are forced to go on the run after an act of revenge goes wrong. Lebanese filmmaker Mounia Akl, known for Costa Brava, Lebanon, will direct the series. It is written by Jack Thorne, the co-creator and writer of Netflix’s Adolescence. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027, while Netflix has not yet announced a release date. Why it is interesting for casting The project brings together two acclaimed British actors in the lead roles while Lebanese director Mounia Akl takes charge of a major international Netflix production. Sources: Netflix Tudum, Arab News Al Madrigal Joins NBC Comedy Newlyweds Actor and comedian Al Madrigal, known for The Daily Show and Lopez vs. Lopez, has joined NBC’s upcoming comedy Newlyweds in a recurring role. The series stars Téa Leoni and Tim Daly and follows a free-spirited woman and a professor who unexpectedly marry after a whirlwind romance. Madrigal joins an ensemble that also includes Jamie Lee Curtis in a recurring role. The series is scheduled to premiere on NBC on October 23, 2026. Why it is interesting for casting Adding Madrigal strengthens the supporting ensemble around Leoni and Daly and shows how recurring characters can play an important role in building the comedy and relationships of a new series. Sources: Deadline, NBC-related coverage Casting Begins for Hooters: The Movie Casting is officially underway for Hooters: The Movie, an independently produced feature inspired by the real-life origins of the Hooters restaurant chain. Casting directors Lisa London and Catherine Stroud, of London/Stroud Casting, are leading the search for actors. The film will follow Ted and Lenny, two longtime friends from Iowa whose journey eventually leads to the creation of the restaurant business. Jon Rosenbaum is attached to direct, with production currently planned to begin in the Tampa and Clearwater, Florida area in November 2026. The main cast has not yet been announced. Why it is interesting for casting Unlike most casting announcements, this project is still at the active casting stage. With the lead roles yet to be revealed, it offers a look at a production while its main ensemble is still being assembled. Sources: Deadline, Entertainment Weekly, People Why These Casting Stories Matter These announcements show three different stages of the casting process: established stars being selected to lead a major Netflix series, a new recurring actor joining an existing television ensemble, and casting directors beginning the search for an entirely new feature-film cast. For actors and casting professionals, following these stages provides a clearer picture of how productions build their casts before filming begins.

Casting

Aug 27, 2026

International Casting News: Lee Byung-hun Leads K.O. Club, Rupert Grint Returns as Ron Weasley & Snoop Biopic Expands Cast

August 27, 2026 New casting announcements from South Korea, Broadway and Hollywood are bringing major actors into new projects and returning a familiar star to one of his most famous roles. Here are three important international casting updates. Lee Byung-hun Leads New Film From Squid Game Creator South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun has been cast as the lead in K.O. Club, a new film written and directed by Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. The cast also includes Oh Jung-se, Cho Yeo-jeong, Park Hae-soo and Kim So-jin. Set in a near future where youth can be purchased, the film explores conflict between a small group of wealthy older people and younger generations without the same power or opportunities. Filming is expected to begin in the first half of 2027. Why it matters for casting The project reunites Lee Byung-hun with Hwang Dong-hyuk while bringing together several established Korean actors. It is another example of internationally recognized Korean talent moving into high-profile projects following the global success of Korean film and television. Source: Yonhap News Agency Read the Yonhap report Further reading: Yonhap Korean report Rupert Grint Returns as Ron Weasley on Broadway Rupert Grint is returning to the role of Ron Weasley, this time in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Grint, who played Ron throughout all eight Harry Potter films, will portray the adult version of the character at Broadway's Lyric Theatre from February 2 to May 30, 2027. His return comes around 15 years after the final Harry Potter film and places the actor back in the role that became closely associated with his early career. Why it matters for casting This is an interesting example of legacy casting. Instead of choosing a new actor for the older version of Ron Weasley, the production is bringing back the performer audiences already associate with the character. It also shows how casting can create continuity between film and theatre while giving an actor the opportunity to reinterpret a character at a different stage of life. Source: Variety Read the Variety report Further reading: Associated Press Read the AP report Four Actors Join Universal's Snoop Biopic Universal Pictures' upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, Snoop, has added four new actors to its growing cast. Laya DeLeon Hayes will portray Shante Broadus, while Olly Sholotan will play rapper Kurupt. Corey Champagne has been cast as Nate Dogg, and Jonica Booth will portray The Lady of Rage. They join Jonathan Daviss, who has been cast as Snoop Dogg in the film. The project will follow the life and career of Snoop Dogg, including his rise from Long Beach to becoming one of the most recognizable artists associated with 1990s West Coast hip-hop. Why it matters for casting A music biopic requires more than finding one actor who resembles its main subject. The casting team is building an ensemble of performers who will portray several recognizable real-life figures from hip-hop history. For actors, biographical roles also present a special challenge: they must study a real person's appearance, movement, voice and personality while still creating a believable performance. Source: Deadline Read the Deadline report Further reading: Blex Media Read the additional casting report Why These Casting Stories Matter Today's casting news highlights three very different approaches to casting: assembling an acclaimed ensemble for a new original film, bringing an original actor back to an iconic role, and finding performers to portray real people in a biographical film. For actors and casting professionals, these projects demonstrate how casting decisions can help establish a new story, preserve continuity with an existing franchise or recreate real cultural figures for the screen.

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