Here are the news items for today, few though they are:
TELEVISION
Veteran actress Carol Kane (The Princess Bride) will have a recurring role on this fall’s much anticipated new drama Gotham playing Gertrud Kapleput, the mother of Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin (played by series regular Robin Lord Taylor). Also actor (and Disney Channel staple) Kyle Massey (That’s So Raven) will have a recurring role in the series, playing Macky, a neglected/abused kid who lives on the streets of Gotham. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
Actress Georgina Haig (Fringe and Reckless) has landed the plum role of Elsa, the Queen or Arendelle from the box office movie Frozen, in the upcoming season of Once Upon a Time. (Chris Harnick at E! Online)
Actor Peter Stormare (Prison Break and The Blacklist) will play Werner Zytle in season three of Arrow. In the comics world, Zytle is actually Count Vertigo; in the series he will be introduced as the new purveyor of the drug Vertigo, filling the role left vacant since the death of The Count (recurring guest star Seth Gabel). Zytle will go by the moniker Vertigo. (Natalie Abrams at TV Guide)
BOX OFFICE TRAILERS
That’s it. Enjoy!
Have a wonderful long holiday weekend for those in the States who celebrate the Fourth of July! I will be back with updates on Monday.
Actor Scott Michael Foster (Greek and Chasing Life) and newcomer Elizabeth Lail will be joining the cast of Once Upon a Time in the recurring roles of Kristoff and Anna, the younger sister of Queen Elsa of Arendelle (from the box office animated film Frozen). (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)
FOX has canceled the new drama Hieroglyph before it could even debut. (Cynthia Littleton at Variety)
NBC has given the NBC medical drama The Night Shift a 14-episode second season order. (Cynthia Littleton at Variety)
Actor Ian Anthony Dale (Murder in the First and Hawaii Five-0) had landed a recurring role on Hart of Dixie when it returns this fall for its fourth season. He will play Henry Dalton, an incredibly charming doctor who is being dubbed “a walking Superman” – one of the richest, most connected men in the South. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
Actor Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica) has landed a recurring role on the TNT drama Rizzoli & Isles, playing Paul Wescourt, a successful prosecutor who is accused of killing his mistress. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer) has joined the cast of Criminal Minds as a series regular. She will play Kate Callahan, a seasoned undercover agent whose stellar work at the FBI has landed her a coveted position with the Behavioral Analysis Unit. (James Hibberd at Entertainment Weekly)
Actress Devon Aoki (Sin City) has landed a major recurring role on Arrow, playing Tatsu Yamashiro, a Japanese martial arts expert who wields a deadly sword, a blade from which her codename Katana is derived. She will be one of Oliver’s mentors in flashbacks scenes and a critical influence on his journey to eventually become The Arrow of present day. (The Deadline Team)
Actor Tom Irwin (Devious Maids) will play Thomas Carver, the late father of April (series regular Italia Ricci) in flashback scenes of Chasing Life, the new ABC Family drama. (Andy Swift at TV Line)
Sherlock will be back in 2015 with a special and three new episodes, but these episodes will air on the BBC and then come over to PBS so the timeline will be different between the two locales. (Chris Harnick at E! Online)
Actor James Callis (Battlestar Galactica) will have a recurring role in the El Rey Network’s new drama Matador that is set to debut on July 15. The series follows Antonio “Matador” Bravo, a popular soccer star, who comes to be known as much for his playboy antics off the field as his dynamic moves on it. But what his fans and family don’t realize is that it’s all a cover–in truth, he is a skilled covert operative executing missions for a little known branch of the CIA. Callis will play Lucien Sayer, a mysterious figure who commands a fraternity of the world’s most elite businessmen, politicians and influencers. (The Futon Critic)
TV TRAILER
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Starz is developing a series based on the fantasy novel “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman that portrays a war between the old gods of biblical and mythological roots and a new group of gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs. (Jethro Nededog at The Wrap)
CBS ordered a 13-episode straight-to-series adaptation of the James Patterson “Zoo” that is a global thriller about a wave of violent animal attacks against humans across the planet. As the assaults become more cunning, coordinated and ferocious, a young renegade biologist is thrust into the race to unlock the pandemic’s mystery before there’s no place left for people to hide. (Lesley Goldberg at The Hollywood Reporter)
BOX OFFICE NEWS
Actors Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson (both of whom star in The Hunger Games franchise) will appear in the upcoming action flick called By Way Of Helena that will find Hemsworth playing David, an 1880’s Texas Ranger sent to an isolated frontier town to investigate a series of mysterious murders. There he squares off against a local preacher named Abraham (Harrelson), who holds the townsfolk in a fearful grip. (Jen Yamato at Deadline)
Q&A SECTION (with Natalie Abrams at TV Guide and Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
Question: Will Irving be stuck in jail next season on Sleepy Hollow — Jack
Natalie: I can confirm what we’ve all suspected: “Irving is going to be in Tarrytown,” executive producer Heather Kadin tells me, revealing that he lands there “with a little help from his new lawyer and partner.” But Tarrytown will be no picnic for the former captain. “I don’t think he’s loving it,” she adds.
Question: Got anything on what’s coming up on Major Crimes? — Rosa
Natalie: Rusty finds some common ground with a teenage girl who has a huge secret she’s keeping from her sketchy dad, which prompts Rusty to bring up to speed some of the important people in his life about his personal life. Plus: Sykes’ new mystery man will finally be unmasked!
Question: What’s next for The 100 now that they’ve been taken captive? — Vishal
Natalie: It turns out that Mount Weather isn’t as bad as we thought! It’s not the sterile prison the finale made it out to be. In fact, there’s chocolate cake, priceless art, designer clothes and a very studious teenage girl named Maya who catches Jasper’s eye.
Question: Is Defiance ever going to reveal more about Doc Yewll? — Rico
Natalie: Yep. In Episode 5, a former (female) lover of hers pops back up. (Yes, Doc Yewll is gay.) But the appearance of her ex is far from romantic. “She has a very checkered past,” Grant Bowler says. “In fact, we find out she’s probably the darkest individual in Defiance.”
Question: Is Season 5 going to be Haven’s last? —Geoffrey
Ausiello: “It very well could be,” Eric Balfour ventured when we saw him at the Saturn Awards. “Nobody at the network’s said that, but we are viewing it that way.” To the point that at least one of the producers “promised that he’s shooting two endings,” one of which will afford proper closure. As Balfour explains, “The writers are of the opinion that you don’t get the opportunity to see the finish line very often on a television series, so knowing that we have the ability to sort of plan for that – and we have [the length of] two seasons to do it, it’s not like it’s tomorrow — I actually am of the opinion that I hope we do it, because I would love to give the fans a real ending and honor the show that way.”
Question: Do you have any scoop for Supernatural season 10? —Shelby
Ausiello: Sure do. The Season 10 premiere, tentatively titled “Soul Survivor,” will introduce the new recurring role of Rowena, a tough but elegant woman who will stop at nothing to reclaim her power base. Here’s the interesting part:
Question: Any news on what the final season of White Collar will bring? —Michael
Ausiello: Mozzie’s (invisible) better half. In the final season’s fourth episode, we will not only learn that the con man has a wife, but we’ll meet her! Her name’s Eva, and she and the hubs haven’t laid eyes on each other in five years. Should be an interesting reunion.
Question: I’ve loved Shelley Hennig since her days on The Secret Circle (RIP) and am so excited to see her on Teen Wolf in a major role! I’ve been waiting since spring for any kind of scoop on Malia and what she’ll be up to! Can you share anything?! —Sarah
Ausiello: You’re in luck, Sarah, because next week’s Teen Wolf is a biggie for Malia. In addition to a budding friendship with Lydia, fans can expect a full-on Malia meltdown, as well as a highly anticipated hook-up that may or may not have been teased in the original Season 4 trailer. Get that pause button ready.
Question: Do you have any scoop on the big revelation in the 100th episode of Pretty Little Liars? —Jon
Ausiello: No! However, Jon, I do have some scoop on a big confrontation between Alison and — wait for it — Caleb! “He doesn’t get too involved in the Alison drama at first,” Tyler Blackburn tells TVLine of Caleb’s plans upon returning to Rosewood next week. “But then he speaks up, and he’s just like, ‘This girl is a liar.’” Caleb vs. Alison? I’m honestly not sure who to root for.
Question: I just binge-watched the whole Witches of East End first season and loved it. Any spoilers for Season 2? —Alicia
Ausiello: How’s this for a spoiler, Alicia: By the end of the July 6 season premiere, you’ll know what came out of the Asgard portal — and I’m not just talking about Frederick.
Question: When will we know if Orphan Black has been renewed for a third season? —R. Downey
Ausiello: I hear a pick-up is imminent. Here’s a little tidbit to tide you over: Helena may have torched the Proletheans’ farm, but, remember, Henrik’s wife was not home at the time. “Bonnie is still at large, that is true,” confirms co-creator Graeme Manson. “And we do like Kristin Booth, who plays Bonnie.” In other words, don’t be surprised if the Prolethean threat resurfaces. “They’re much reduced,” notes the EP, “but an angry Prolethean is a scary thing,”
Actress Laurie Holden (The Walking Dead) has landed a role in an episode of Major Crimes that will focus on the Special Operations Bureau (SOB). Holden will play Ann McGinnis, the second in command of the LAPD’s “SOB” unit, a former Air Force Officer, who has moved rapidly up the LAPD chain-of-command due to her intense focus on mission-oriented leadership. This episode also marks the return of Jon Tenney as FBI Agent Fritz Howard, who will figure largely in the introduction of the “SOB” — and possibly setting up what has been described as a potential spin-off of The Closer’s own spin-off. (Matt Mitovich at TV Line)
TELEVISION TO COMIC BOOK NEWS
Boom! Studios will launch a four-issue Sleepy Hollow comic book series, based on the TV series, in October. The stories will take place across different parts of the show’s timeline. The series itself will be back for its second season on FOX starting on September 22. (Graeme McMillian at The Hollywood Reporter)
BOX OFFICE NEWS
Actresses Famke Janssen (Hemlock Grove) and AnnaSophia Robb (The Carrie Diaries) have joined the cast of the upcoming box office film Jack Of The Red Hearts that is about a teenage con artist who tricks a desperate mother into hiring her as a live-in companion for her autistic daughter. (Jen Yamato at Deadline)
Here are the top 10 box office movies for this past weekend courtesy of Box Office Mojo:
1. Transformers: Age of Extinction – 100 million
2. 22 Jump Street – 15.4 million
3. How to Train Your Dragon – 13.1 million
4. Think Like a Man Too – 10.4 million
5. Maleficent – 8.2 million
6. Jersey Boys – 7.6 million
7. Edge of Tomorrow – 5.2 million
8. The Fault in Our Stars – 4.8 million
9. X-Men: Days of Future Past – 3.3 million
10. Chef – 1.6 million
Actress Heather Lind (AMC’s new drama Turn) will have a recurring role on Sleepy Hollow, which returns this fall for its second season. She will play Mary Wells, an old flame of Ichabod’s (series lead Tom Mison) from England. While at first pleasant and sweet, Mary has a darker side — and will prove to be flighty, moody and prone to fits of extreme jealousy. Sleepy Hollow will be back starting on September 22 on FOX. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
Actress Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) will have a recurring role on the FOX mid-season crime drama Backstrom that will star Rainn Wilson (The Office) in the lead role. Chalke will play Amy Gazanian, a former social worker and journalist, who is the ex-fiancée of Detective Backstrom (Wilson). Amy left Backstrom 10 years ago, largely due to the many flaws in his trauma-riddled character. Now back in town, she has been appointed the Chair of the Civilian Oversight Committee — and in spite of her lingering affection for Backstrom, she intends to do her job and keep an eye on his every slippery, ethically dubious, judicially inappropriate move. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
Covert Affairs fans will be happy to see actor Oded Fehr (The Mummy and Resident Evil movie franchises) will reprise his role of Mossad agent Eyal Lavine in at least one episode of the show’s current, fifth season. (Vlada Gelman at TV Line)
Q&A SECTION (with Matt Mitovich at TV Line)
Question: Will the shift in showrunners on Castle have an effect on current storyline set up in the Season 6 finale? –Rachael
Mitovich: In a word, nope. Everything I am hearing from well-placed sources indicates that while David Amann will be taking over the day-to-day running of the show, the vision very much remains that of series creator Andrew W. Marlowe — so much so that I have no qualms answering the next question with a quote from AWM….
Question: The Castle finale was en fuego! Any news on what’s coming up for Season 7? –DarkDefender
Mitovich: I can tell you what’s not coming up – any new regurgitation of the Bracken storyline. Which, to me, rules out the squirrelly senator as the igniter of Castle’s fiery fate. “The Bracken arc is pretty much over,” Marlowe told me after the finale. “We know who [killed Johanna], Beckett has gotten juctice…. If there is any future storytelling with Senator Brecken, it would be breaking new ground and not going back to revisit the old ghosts.” That said, “Bracken isn’t dead, he’s a formidable person and he may someday entertain notions for revenge,” Marlowe allowed, “but it would be [in the context of] storytelling that moves us forward.”
Question: I’ve read two different Once Upon a Time articles, one stating that Elsa will be in nine episodes and the other stating that Anna will be in nine episodes. I thought I read on your site that it would be Elsa. Could you please clarify? –MGM
Mitovich: Oh, the Internet. Just one big game of “Telephone,” isn’t it? Elsa will appear in about nine episodes, Anna is slated for six to eight, and Kristoff is in as many as six.
Question: Is Once Upon a Time‘s Elsa going to be evil? Or can we assume she will follow the movie character? –Margie
Mitovich: See, that’s the question I had the second it was confirmed who exactly we saw there in the barn. So I asked the series creators if we’ll perhaps be seeing Elsa before — Frozen movie spoiler alert! — she and Anna happily reunited, back when she was in that epic snit. “Maybe yes, maybe no. It could be after,” Adam Horowitz hedged. “One can be in a snit for many reasons.”
Question: It was said at the beginning of Season 5 that NCIS: LA would be losing a team member. Is that still going to happen? –Meghan
Mitovich: Oh, the Internet. Just one big game of “Telephone,” isn’t it? The team member that was “lost” was Kensi, when she got pulled from the L.A. team and sent to Afghanistan. Mystery solved!
Question: Any new news on Arrow Season 3? The wait is killing us! –Jeff
Mitovich: ‘Member the “Seth” guy I told you about a couple of weeks ago? Well, the casting for that role has since been tweaked, and he is now described as a “shade of a man” with a quiet intensity, a “criminal mastermind who whistles classical music” as he goes about his devious business. There’s also talk of him having “reptilian eyes.” Whomever he is, he will be the Big Bad for the season opener.
Question: What can you tell us about the Sleepy Hollow premiere? –Deyna
Mitovich: I’ve got nothing new on the premiere. But if you want to look a-head to Episode 6, I can tell you that there’s a new hunk in town – the late Sheriff Corbin’s son Joe, a well-built, all-American Marine carrying a big chip on his shoulder.
Question: Got anything about Major Crimes? –Ilona
Mitovich: Sharon’s son Ricky, who pops up in Episode 9, is a real piece of work, throwing shade left and right at his new “brother” Rusty. But when Ricky goes too far and psychoanalyzes his mom’s reasons for taking in the street rat, just you watch as Mama Bear’s claws come out!
Question: It’s going to be a long, dry summer without Reign. I’ll take anything you can give me to hold me over. –Christina
Mitovich: All told, series star Adelaide Kane foresees an “intense second season,” based on how the freshman run ended. “I’d say we have a lot of stuff – and a darker direction — to look forward to,” she told me, adding that she hopes to share more scenes in the future with Caitlin Stasey (who plays Kenna).
Question: Michaela McManus (Law & Order: SVU) was supposed to be on The Last Ship on TNT — she’s even in one of the early promos, but when I got to the same scene in that episode it was another actress who wasn’t her. What gives? –Colleen
Mitovich: What gives is that McManus’ character, Lt. Jackie Makena, was excised from the pilot. Onetime Leverage guest star Marissa Neitling was subsequently cast in a similar role, as the Combat Information Center’s Lt. Kara Foster.
Question: Anything about Teen Wolf‘s Sheriff Stilinski and Mama McCall? –Wahiba
Mitovich: If you’re asking about their romantic relationship — it’s no secret that many ‘ship those two — you shouldn’t expect any new developments on that front. But Stiles’ dad and Scott’s mom do have some pretty big interactions coming up, and we’re still not used to hearing them talk about werewolves together. (Seriously, this is a teen drama. What ever happened to parents being left in the dark?)
Question: Do you have any scoop on the big revelation in the 100th episode of Pretty Little Liars? –Jon
Mitovich: Which “big revelation” would that be? Because last we checked there will be several, including which guy Hanna will be sticking with for the foreseeable future. Episode 100 marks Caleb’s return to Rosewood, and while we’re all excited for the former Ravenswoodsman’s homecoming, Hanna still has that little matter of Travis to sort out. Something tells me her new man won’t appreciate being dropped like a bad habit. Bonus scoop: Episode 12 will introduce us to Mona’s momma, Leona.
Question: Got anything on Orphan Black? –Leia
Mitovich: It would seem that those who sp-egg-ulated about that nitrogen tank Helena left behind in Felix’s loft before getting grabbed are right, that her babies are now in the hands of her sestra. “They could be [her eggs],” co-creator Graeme Manson allowed, confirming this much: “She’s taken something from the Prolethean farm and left them for her sisters.”
Question: I watched the official trailer for ABC’s How to Get Away With Murder a bunch of times but there is no sign of Katie Findlay. Is she still part of the show? –Marko
Mitovich: Oh, yes. The Carrie Diaries/The Killing alumna is very much a part of the show.
Here are the news items for today, few though they may be:
TELEVISION
Actress Andrea Roth (Rescue Me) has joined the cast of the 6-hour limited Syfy series Ascension that will star Brian Van Holt (Cougar Town) as the captain of the titular vessel, which was launched into space by the U.S. government in 1963 to populate a new world. The series picks up 50 years into the mission, as a mysterious murder causes those on board to question the true nature of their mission. Roth will play Juliet Bryce, the head doctor on the Ascension. Her relationship with her daughter Nora (Jacqueline Byers) has been difficult and strained for a while and the murder on board the ship has made it worse. The cast also includes Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) as manipulative power broker Vionda Denninger — aka the captain’s wife, with whom he shares a difficult marriage. Ascension is due to air on Syfy in November. (Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
WEB SERIES NEWS
Actor Elden Henson (The Hunger Games) has joined the Netflix series Daredevil based on the legendary Marvel Universe character. Henson will play Foggy Nelson, best friend and legal partner of Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil). The cast includes Charlie Cox (Boardwalk Empire) in the lead role, Vincent O’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk and Rosario Dawson. The series is set to debut on Netflix sometime in 2015. (Nikara Johns at Variety)
BOX OFFICE TRAILERS
This isn’t Matthew Crowley (from Downton Abbey) material at all, but here is Dan Stevens’ new film:
Details on this film since the teaser is a bit vague: The story follows the Peterson family when a soldier named David (Dan Stevens) turns up at their doorstep, a man who claims to be the friend and fellow platoon member of their deceased son. David says he’ll fulfill the last with of his friend by watching over the Petersons to make sure they’re safe. Soon though, accidental deaths begin to occur and they all seem to be connected to David’s presence in the house.
ME: How did they film this movie?! The special effects with the airplanes, et al and that gigantic hurricane, holy spinning funnels, Batman!!
Actor Alex Russell (Carrie and Chronicle) has landed a starring role in the AMC drama pilot Galyntine that is set in a post-apocalyptic future without technology where a band of survivors is forced to adapt to isolation and the challenges of their new world. Russell will play Roman, an orphan who was unofficially adopted by his best friend Aethys’ family, and he hopes to marry Aethys’ sister Essyn to make his membership in the family official. A very public victory appears to cement his status as a future leader of the colony, but a twist of fate (and a deeply wounding betrayal) set him on a different, more dangerous path. (The Deadline Team)
BOX OFFICE NEWS
Actress Melissa Benoist (Glee) has joined the cast of the upcoming box office adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel The Longest Ride that will star Britt Robertson (Under the Dome) and Scott Eastwood (son of Clint Eastwood) as a young couple whose romance parallels the intertwined love story of a local elderly man and his lady love. Benoist will play Marcia, the well-intentioned roommate of Sophia (Robertson). The cast also includes veteran Alan Alda and Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire). (Jen Yamato at Deadline)
Actress Rooney Mara (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) will star in the box office adaptation of the memoir “A House in the Sky” by Amanda Linhout and Sara Corbett, that tells the story of Linhout, specifically her abduction in 2008 in Mogadishu, Somalia by a rebel terrorist group. (Jordan Zakarin at The Wrap)
Actor Ben Kingsley will provide his voice to the Disney live-action The Jungle Book, playing Bagheera, the black panther companion to human Mowgli. The film is set to come out on October 9, 2015. (The Deadline Team)
BOX OFFICE TRAILER
Q&A SECTION (with Natalie Abrams at TV Guide and Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
Question: I really liked The Last Ship. What’s coming up next? — Sean
Natalie: Did you catch lab rat Quincy’s mysterious phone call at the end of the pilot? You’ll very soon find out who was on the other line (hint: they also have a very big boat) and why he appears to be betraying Dr. Scott. Fortunately, before that big showdown, Capt. Chandler & Co. will stop off at Guantanamo Bay, where they pick up some new faces who prove to be valuable assets. The bad news: Gitmo is also crawling with some Al Qaeda prisoners who want to make the Nathan James crew go boom.
Question: What’s the state of Abbie and Ichabod’s relationship when Sleepy Hollow returns? — Gina
Natalie: It’s probably not in the best place. After all, Abbie probably won’t be too happy about being left behind in Purgatory, even if it was for the greater good. “There’s a real question of trust,” executive producer Len Wiseman tells me. “If it’s ever broken once, can you ever get it back again?” Their relationship will continue to be tested next season when they face a very difficult choice. Let’s just say it’s not easy being a Witness!
Question: Irzu was making Irissa do and see some bad things in the Defiance premiere. Should I be worried about her? — Chantelle
Natalie: It turns out Irzu might not be as bad as we think. Or, at least, that’s what she wants Irissa to believe when the duo is involved in a near-fatal stand-off in Episode 3. When Irissa refuses to continue killing for Irzu, the mystical being proves just how powerful she is, while also providing Irissa insight into exactly who she is.
Question: I’m so glad Falling Skies is back. What can you tease? — Marcus
Natalie: The Espheni will set their sights on discovering the identity of the mysterious Ghost who has been helping those trapped in the internment camp. But when the Espheni threat grows, Tom will take the ultimate risk by going to their ship in search of a way to destroy the fences once and for all. But will he actually be able to help everyone escape?
Question: I can’t believe Evan and Paige are in therapy on Royal Pains! Should I be worried about any upcoming bumps in the road for them? —Jeanine
Natalie: Actually, Jeanine, you should actually turn your concern to Hank, who will spend some time on the couch himself this summer when a new woman enters his life and throws our favorite doctor for a serious loop. Maybe the Lawson brothers can get a 2-for-1 discount?
Question: I love seeing Scott Michael Foster back on ABC Family on Chasing Life! Will any other Greek alums pop up? — Sherry
Natalie: Yep! Now that April’s BFF Beth quit her job at the coffeehouse, she will go to work for Nora Kirkpatrick in the second half of the season. Fortunately for Beth, Kirkpatrick’s character isn’t as much of a hard-ass this time around. Although executive producer Patrick Sean Smith wouldn’t say too much about Beth’s new gig, he did hint that it has something to do with design. “[Beth] has a very special, distinct style,” he says.
Question: Any news on whether Caity Lotz will return to Arrow in Season 3? —Mena
Ausiello: As Colton Haynes (who plays Roy) reminds, Sara “gave up her jacket” to sis Laurel before rejoining Nyssa and the League of Assassins in the season finale. But hey, that’s nothing a trip to Wilson Leather Goods can’t fix, right? “I think we’ll definitely see Sara back,” Haynes ventures. “I’m not sure how soon, but obviously, when she does, we might see different facets of her.”
Question: Every season of Covert Affairs, Auggie has found himself in handcuffs at least once. Any hints as to what kind of trouble he’ll get into this season? —Rhiannon
Ausiello: Female trouble — sans handcuffs (I think). In next Tuesday’s episode, Felicity‘s Amy Jo Johnson makes her debut as Hayley, an investigator with the National Counter-Terrorism Center who takes a shine to Auggie. But first and foremost, “Hayley comes into the show in a spy story-related capacity,” previews executive producer Chris Ord. “So [that] will collide and make their relationship something more than just romantic.”
Question: Any scoops on Falling Skies Season 4? –Ganon
Ausiello: This Sunday, Tom takes a very important meeting, Dr. Kadar resurfaces (whether Lourdes likes it or not!), the nature of the “black hornet” ET is revealed and a pair of someones will share a first kiss.
Question: Any scoop you can give us on Season 5 of Rizzoli & Isles would be brilliant — like, will Chris Vance be back at any point as Casey? –Michelle
Ausiello: “It’s all about scheduling,” Vance aka Rizzoli’s baby daddy told us recently, just before heading off to Morocco, the Czech Republic and other far-off locales to resume filming Transporter: The Series (which bows on TNT this fall). “I’m shooting way across the world, but we’re trying to resolve it. There’s no reason there shouldn’t be [an encore].”
Question: Please tell me we will see Patrick J. Adams on Orphan Black again? —Em
Ausiello: No word on Adams’ Jesse, but EP Graeme Manson is hoping to bring back another popular character — clone romancer Cal (played by Game of Thrones and Nashville actor Michiel Huisman). The one (rather significant) obstacle? Notes Manson with a laugh: “[He’s] one busy actor.”
Question: Anything about The Fosters? —Karyn
Ausiello: Look for Callie to forge an “instant connection” with her surprise half-sister Sophia, previews the actress’ portrayer, Maia Mitchell, adding, “As an older sister, she absolutely wants to protect this girl — she can see that she is going through some tough stuff and maybe is a little lonely. She’s really trying to find a balance between staying true to her family and the Fosters, [and] also looking after this girl, who is obviously needing her right now. It’s a balancing act.”
Here are the news items for today, few though they may be:
TELEVISION
Actress Melinda Clarke (Nikita) will guest star on the TNT remake series Dallas, appearing as Tracey McKay, one of Bobby Ewing’s girlfriends from the original series (who was played by Beth Toussaint back in the day). Dallas returns to TNT on August 18. (Vlada Gelman at TV Line)
MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE NEWS
Lifetime is adapting the Stephen King novella ‘Big Driver” into a made-for-TV movie that will star actress Maria Bell (Touch and A History of Violence). The story revolves around a successful mystery novelist (Bello), who is devastated after a brutal attack and bent on revenge. Olympia Dukakis and Joan Jett will co-star. (Nikara Johns at Variety)
The upcoming NBC 60’s-themed, 13-episode cop drama Aquarius will star David Duchovny (Californication and The X-Files) as a cop who goes undercover to track Charles Manson and the Manson Family before their infamous murder spree. New cast members have been added to the series, including Grey Damon (Star-Crossed and Friday Night Lights), Emma Dumont (Bunheads) and Gethin Anthony (Game of Thrones). Anthony will play Charles Manson while Damon will play Duchovny’s partner and Dumont will play Emma Karn, the daughter of Grace Karn and her influential husband Ken. (The Deadline Team, TV Line and Dan Snierson at Entertainment Weekly)
Actor Carl Lumbly (Alias) has joined the cast of the A&E series The Returned, based on the French series of the same name, that will focus on a small town that is turned upside down when several local people, who have been long presumed dead suddenly reappear, bringing them into positive and detrimental consequences. Lumbly will play Pastor Leon Wright, a kindly, perceptive man, the minister of a local church. (Philiana Ng at The Hollywood Reporter)
AMC has given their period piece drama Turn a second season order consisting of 10 episodes. (The Futon Critic)
Actress Caterina Scorsone has been promoted to series regular on Grey’s Anatomy for the show’s upcoming 11th season on ABC. (Natalie Abrams at TV Guide)
TV TRAILER
TV MINI-SERIES NEWS
Actor Jason O’Mara (Terra Nova) has joined the History Channel’s upcoming mini-series Sons of Liberty, playing George Washington. The cast of the mini-series already includes Ben Barnes (The Chronicles of Narnia franchise), Henry Thomas (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Betrayal), Michael Raymond James (Once Upon a Time), Ryan Eggold (The Blacklist) and Dean Norris (Under the Dome). (Dan Snierson at Entertainment Weekly)
ONLINE SERIES
The cast of the upcoming Netflix 10-episode sci-fi drama Sense8 from the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski that follows eight characters around the world who, in the aftermath of a tragic death, find themselves linked to each other mentally and emotionally, will include the following cast members: Naveen Andrews (Lost), Daryl Hannah (A Walk to Remember), Brian J. Smith (Stargate Universe), Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who) and Aml Ameen (The Maze Runner). (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
NBC is working on an hour-long limited series called Wasteland that will follow a hardened US Marshal in the wake of a massive prison break, who is charged with hunting down fugitives with supernatural powers, while unlocking the mystery of his past. (Nellie Andreeva at Deadline)
BOX OFFICE NEWS
Actor Delroy Lindo has joined the cast of the upcoming remake of Point Break that will follow a young FBI agent named Johnny Utah (actor Luke Bracey) who goes undercover to stop an organized gang of criminals and extreme sport enthusiasts who are pulling off heists all over the world. Lindo will play an FBI instructor who tries to motivate Utah to pass training. (The Hollywood Reporter and Dark Horizons)
Here are the top 10 box office movies for this past weekend courtesy of Box Office Mojo:
1. Think Like a Man Too – 29.2 million
2. 22 Jump Street – 27.5 million
3. How to Train Your Dragon 2 – 24.7 million
4. Jersey Boys – 13.3 million
5. Maleficent – 12.9 million
6. Edge of Tomorrow – 9.8 million
7. The Fault in our Stars – 8.6 million
8. X-Men: Days of Future Past – 6.2. million
9. Godzilla – 1.9 million
10. Chef – 1.7 million
Actor Ansel Elgort (The Fault in our Stars and Divergent) will star in the lead role of an upcoming as-yet titled box office film about Van Cliburn, who at the age of 23 in 1958 emerged from out of nowhere to win the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow. (Mike Fleming, Jr. at Deadline)
But first, let’s extend a congratulations to all those who won Critics’ Choice Awards last night, including (but not limited to): Tatiana Maslany, Orange Is the New Black, Jim Parsons, Matt Bomer, Andre Braugher and Bellamy Young. (E! Online)
TELEVISION
Actors Charles Mesure (Once Upon a Time and Crossing Jordan) and C. Thomas Howell (Southland and Grimm) will have recurring roles in Bravo’s first ever scripted series Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce that follows Abby (Lisa Edelstein from House), the author of a self-help book series who’s hiding her separation from her husband from the public. Starting her life over again as a single woman in her 40s, she finds that advice from divorced friends leads to startling new adventures. Mesure will play Ralf, ex-husband to Phoebe (Beau Garrett from Criminal Minds) while Howell will play a love interest Abby. The series is set for a 2015 debut. (Jethro Nededog at The Wrap)
Actor Michael Vartan (Alias and Bates Motel) will recur on the upcoming USA Network drama Satisfaction that stars Matt Passmore (The Glades) as investment banker Neil Truman, and Stephanie Szostak (The Devil Wears Prada) as his unhappy wife Grace. Vartan will play Dylan, a daring photographer who helps Grace gain exposure in the design world. The series is set to debut on the USA Network on July 17. (Kaitlin Thomas at TV Guide)
ONLINE SERIES NEWS
Actress Rosario Dawson has joined the cast of the upcoming Netflix series Daredevil. She will appear in multiple episodes playing a dedicated young woman whose quest to heal the wounds of Hell’s Kitchen brings blind attorney Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox from Boardwalk Empire) unexpectedly crashing into her life, while her own journey forever alters the course of his battle against the injustices of this broken city. Vincent D’Onofrio has co-stars. (Philiana Ng at The Hollywood Reporter)
Actor Craig Frank (the short-lived comedy Mixology and the Emmy-winning web series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries) has been promoted to series regular on the upcoming mid-season thriller The Messengers that will air on The CW sometime during the 2014-2015 TV season. The series is what happens when a mysterious object crashes down to earth and how a group of seemingly unconnected strangers die from the energy pulse, but then awaken to learn that they have been deemed responsible for preventing the impending Apocalypse. Frank will play Alan, a likable techie who works with Vera (series lead Shantel VanSanten) at the NDSA – National Deep Space Agency. (The Deadline Team)
Actor J. August Richards (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Angel) has joined Bravo’s first scripted series called Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce that will follow Abby (Lisa Edelstein from House), the author of a self-help book series who’s hiding her separation from her husband from the public. Starting her life over again as a single woman in her 40s, she finds that advice from divorced friends leads to startling new adventures. Richards will play Ford, who is married to Max (Patrick Heusinger). The series is set for a 2015 debut. (Jethro Nededog at The Wrap)
Q&A SECTION (with Natalie Abrams at TV Guide and Michael Ausiello at TV Line)
Question: Any scoop on Revenge’s Jack now that he’s in jail? — Megan
Natalie: Jack will quickly be forced to choose whether he’ll snitch on someone else to set himself free. “He did something wrong, but there are three other people involved,” executive producer Aaron Harberts says. “How far will Jack go to protect Emily and her relationship with Charlotte?” According to Nick Wechsler, pretty far — even to his own detriment. “He’s crazy about [Emily] and wants to see justice be done,” he says. “His feelings for her will draw him into some morally complex situations.”
Natalie: Season 5 picks up four months later, but Annie has not been back at the DPD during that whole time. When she finally does return to work in the premiere, she’ll tell Auggie and Calder where she was, but not what she was doing. Also, be on the lookout for an old face from Season 3 to resurface.
Question: Got any scoop for season 2 of Reign? —Nicole
Ausiello: French Court is going to be visited by four new faces in Season 2, including Princess Claude, the never-before-seen daughter of Catherine and Henry. The “very sexually advanced” young lady will get herself into plenty of mischief, perhaps even more than Narcisse, another (much older) new face who will serve as a sparring partner for her mother. Then there’s Conde, known as the “Prince of the Blood,” who will strike up an unusual friendship with Francis, as well as Prince Thomas, who “may be the next king of France sooner than he’d imagined.” If that last line has you shaking in your boots, you have a very healthy sense of fear.
Question: You mentioned last week in Ask Ausiello that Revenge is adding a new love interest for Emily — anything else you can share about the new guy? —Janet
Ausiello: He’s a childhood friend of Jack’s who has a touch of PTSD from his military days. He decides to make his short-term visit to the Hamptons permanent after something life-changing happens to Jack, then makes fast friends with a number of the locals — including Emily.
Question: I am super excited that Meagan Tandy is returning to Teen Wolf this season as Braeden. Any scoop on what she is up to in Beacon Hills? – Gyll
Ausiello: You’re not the only person excited, Gyll. Executive producer Jeff Davis is thrilled to have Tandy back on the show for Season 4 — this time, in an increased capacity. “She’s in nine of the 12 episodes,” Davis tells us. “She’s someone who’s kind of on the moral fence … and she’s actually hired by Peter and Derek to find Kate.”
Question: Any scoop on Nashville‘s upcoming season? –Sharon
Ausiello: While Hayden Panettiere tells us she enjoys opening her script and being “as shocked as everyone else is,” her gut is telling her that the forecast for Juliette and Avery will remain stormy heading into Season 3 — despite her character’s tear-streaked explanation/apology for cheating with smarmy record exec Jeff Fordham. “I don’t think any route is going to be simple, because that just wouldn’t be interesting,” Panettiere speculates. “At the end of the day, though, when you lose trust in someone in a relationship, that’s a very difficult thing to get back in a way that doesn’t cause incredible conflict, insecurity and jealousy. I can’t imagine Avery being the kind of person that just forgives and forgets.”
Question: Marlene King recently said she wants to do a “Ravenswood episode” on Pretty Little Liars this season. Anything more you can tell me? I miss that spin-off. — Claire
Ausiello: Plans for a Ravenswood-centric episode are indeed underway, but King tells me nothing has been finalized. “I stay in touch with all of those people, both the kids and the adults,” she says. “They know we’d love to — I don’t want to say ‘tie up’ the story — but at least give it some closure. More than we were allowed to, anyway. We were heading somewhere with that story and we want to let the fans know where that was.”
Question: I’m glad Lincoln and Octavia both survived The 100 finale. Please tell me they’ll stay together next season. — Dahlia
Ausiello: Nothing is set in stone for Season 2 just yet, Dahlia, but feel free to interpret executive producer Jason Rothenberg’s words as you will: “Lincoln and Octavia have a genuine romance, and to me, that’s the romantic heart of the show. It’s a union between the Grounders and the people from the Ark, which is really where we’re going next season.”
Rueben's Ramblings 