News Roundup: THE SECRET CIRCLE, SMALLVILLE, WONDER WOMAN, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, and COUGAR TOWN
I know that no one relies on my blog for their TV news–at least I hope you don’t, because I’ve been a little busy trying to plan my dissertation, and thus terribly remiss at posting lately–but I really want to try to be better at checking in about exciting small-screen happenings. So far this month there have been some really awesome developments involving my favorite current and prospective shows.
The CW picked up The Secret Circle pilot, and casting has begun.
We first heard about The CW optioning The Secret Circle, a book series about a circle of teen witches by L.J. Smith, back in October, 2010. Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain (Angel, Dollhouse, The Vampire Diaries) were attached as executive producers, so I was really excited. I read the book series soon after, and got even more excited. The books center on a teenage girl named Cassie Blake, who moves to New Salem, Massachusetts with her mother. In addition to dealing with crushes and cliques, she learns that her new high school is full of witches. It’s a little bit like Mean Girls meets Charmed. Perfect fodder for a CW series!
Then earlier this month, on Feb. 3rd, Deadline reported that Kevin Williamson (Scream, Dawson’s Creek, The Vampire Diaries), “is now working on the script and serving as an executive producer on the project, which, with its auspices, has emerged as a strong contender for a pilot pickup.” A week later, Deadline reported that The CW had indeed picked up The Secret Circle pilot, as its sixth and final pick-up. You can read the details here: CW Picks Up Drama Pilot ‘Secret Circle’ – Deadline.com. Hurrah! I can’t wait to see who ends up being cast, what elements from the books are kept, and what changes are made.
On that note, one actress has been cast already. EW reported that Britt Robertson (Lux on Life Unexpected) was cast in an unknown role, and it was later confirmed that she would play Cassie. If by some chance Life Unexpected is renewed, however, Roberston’s role as Lux is in first position.
For more detailed information on the books and the upcoming show, check out Tierney Bricker’s post for Zap2it: ‘The Secret Circle’ scoop: All the insider information on Kevin Williamson’s new pilot – Zap2it. She provides a great overview of the main characters from both the books and the show, with plenty of scoop from casting sides. Sadly, some of my favorites don’t seem to have survived in the small screen adaptation (the Henderson twins, Deborah, and Suzan), but I’ll be thrilled to see Faye and Nick come to life.
Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor, back in season 1. Photo Credit: The WB / Brian Cyr.
Michael Rosenbaum will reprise his role as Lex Luthor in the Smallville series finale.
On Feb. 11th, Smallville fans got the news we were hoping for: TV Line reported that “Michael Rosenbaum has inked a deal to reprise his role as Smallville‘s Lex Luthor in the two-hour season finale airing May 13.” Fiiiiiiiiinally! You can read more about the deal Rosenbaum made over at TV Line: Smallville Exclusive: Michael Rosenbaum Back For Series Finale!
This news came directly on the heels of news to the contrary the day before, so my head was really spinning. But I’m thrilled and relieved. It’s no secret that Lex was my favorite character on Smallville, and that my enthusiasm for the show declined steadily after his exit. Back in the first few seasons of Smallville, it was my very favorite show, and it would be a real shame for the series to end its run without Clark’s once and future nemesis. I’m hoping that Rosenbaum’s presence will imbue the finale with some of the show’s old charm.
The actor commented on the news via Twitter:
And then on Feb. 18th, he confirmed that he was actually on set:
This is really happening, guys!
Photo Credit: Fox/ Zap2it.
Wonder Woman pilot picked up by NBC, and Adrianne Palicki cast in the lead role.
After much online speculation and trepidation, Deadline reported that NBC picked up David E. Kelly’s Wonder Woman pilot. The script has been widely panned by the critics who have read it, and fans of the iconic character have been worried. However, on Feb. 16th, casting news served to instill some major hope, because they got it so right. Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights, Supernatural, Lone Star) will play Wonder Woman/ Diana. Details on the casting news here: Adrianne Palicki Is NBC’s Wonder Woman – Deadline.com.
As a big fan of her work as Tyra Collette on Friday Night Lights (Tyra has been my favorite Dillon character since season one), I was thrilled that Palicki earned a role on such a high profile project. She’s definitely a talented actress, in addition to having the right build and athleticism for the role. Plus, while I am most familiar with her as a blonde, her stint on Lone Star proved that she makes a gorgeous brunette (see picture to the left). She could easily go a few shades darker. If you’re not familiar with Palicki’s work, check out Carina MacKenzie’s piece for Zap2it: Meet Adrianne Palicki: ‘Wonder Woman’s’ roots revealed.
It is not Palicki’s qualifications for the role that worry anyone, but rather the fitness of the role for Palicki. The more news about Kelly’s script that comes out, the worse it sounds. The Daily Beast obtained a draft of the pilot script, and states, “In Kelley’s vision, Wonder Woman is presented as a weepy career woman-slash-superheroine with three identities (Wonder Woman; Diana Themyscira, the chairman of Themyscira Industries; and mousy assistant Diana Prince) to juggle.” Alarming. The full review can be found here: Adrianne Palicki as Wonder Woman: Preview of David E. Kelley’s Script – The Daily Beast. ComicsAlliance has a review too: ‘Wonder Woman’ Pilot Script Review: The Good, the Bad and the Crazy – ComicsAlliance. Also, i09 posted an audition tape that was pretty worrisome, as it is all about body issues: Wonder Woman audition tape reveals Diana Prince obsesses about her breasts being too small. I really hope that revisions can be made, so that the integrity of Wonder Woman and all she represents is maintained.
Photo Credit: ABC.
While Cougar Town is on hiatus, creators Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel have agreed to entertain us on Vulture every Wednesday.
Laugh!
Photo Credit: Deadline.
The casting of Joseph Morgan as Klaus in The Vampire Diaries has been confirmed.
The Vampire Diaries has a new Big Bad. Deadline reports that Joseph Morgan has indeed been cast as the Original vampire Klaus. Back in January, TV Line had put Morgan’s name forth as Klaus, but there was no official confirmation. Now it’s all settled. You can check out Morgan’s resume here. The only thing I’ve seen him in is the recent Masterpiece presentation of Mansfield Park. He played Fannie’s brother William, which was a very un-Klaus-like role. I’m glad that he’s kind of a mystery. Personally, I’m hoping that he brings the crazy.
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After how The Vampire Diaries turned out I’m quite looking forward to The Secret Circle even though I don’t really know much about it, but from what I do it sounds like it could be fun.
Hey Lucia, what do you think about Joseph Morgan being cast as Klaus? When I first heard about Daniel Gillies being cast as Elijah, I didn’t think he was anything special, but then TADA! So hopefully this new guy kicks the Salvatore brothers’ asses when he shows up!
I think it’s one of those situations where we’ll just have to wait and see. Personally, I hope that Klaus will be completely insane–an absolutely mad vampire villain. It would be soooo fun, and differentiate him very decidedly from Elijah. I’m excited that Klaus is coming, and will reserve judgment on the actor until we see him in action. Fingers crossed for an awesome performance.
Oh, I totally agree! Given the small amount of information we currently have on Klaus, it sounds like he’s shaping up to be a psychopath. Obsessive, paranoid, tyrannical. Kind of like Stalin. Sorry, I’m currently learning about him in my Russian politics class. But it would be awesome if Klaus turns out to be a total madman. He has to be. The show needs someone who looks and acts like he’s from a totally different universe. And I’m glad he’s blonde. We have too many brunettes on the show as it is. Not that I’m complaining.
I got one of my friends the first Secret Circle book for Christmas having no clue what else to get her, she loved it and proceeded to buy the next one within a week so it must be good. The more I hear about it the more excited I am. Wonder Woman on the other hand is doing the opposite. I’ve always had an appreciation for the character but was never hard core, however I keep getting less and less excited about this project as it develops which is a shame as it had so much potential. As for Klaus…not what I pictured but I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve seen him in action.
does anybody know when the secret circle is going to be aired on cwtv
Well, the pilot is in production now, and if The CW decides to pick it up for series, it would air in Fall 2011. There is always a bit of uncertainty with pilots though. Greenlighting pilot production is not a guarantee that the show will air on The CW–but it does seem like a very likely candidate.