The folks over at TV Line, posted the casting details earlier today for NBC‘s upcoming drama series Emerald City that will take a whole new look at Dorothy Gale and her trip to the land of Oz. Given the fact that I love to play casting agent, I’ve come up with my own ideas on who should play the roles.
It is too early to say who will actually be cast or how good (or bad) this new drama will be, but the show is set for the 2014-2015 TV season, but has yet to be given a timeslot.
Here are the descriptions of the characters followed by my casting choices:
Danielle Savre
DOROTHY GALE
A natural, and not waify, beauty scarred by past experiences, Dorothy has patched a life together for herself despite the fact that she sells herself short. Outward insecurity and lack of self awareness hide the savior/survivor that she will discover she truly is.
My Casting Choice: Danielle Savre who played doomed cheerleader Jackie Wilcox on Heroes, also appeared in the failed Supernatural: Bloodlines pilot. She has also appeared in Summerland, Grounded for Life and the short-lived MTV drama Kaya.
Haley Webb
WEST
This 30something femme is a corruptive — and fearsome — force of nature, a drugged-out virtuoso filled with self-loathing. She’s equal parts compelling and unsettling.
My Casting Choice: Haley Webb, best known for her role of Jennifer Blake on Teen Wolf, has also appeared in episodes of Shark, Close to Home and Beauty And the Beast.
Genevieve Padalecki
NORTH
In her 30s or 40s, this Type-A manipulative perfectionist has a bit of a “big sister” relationship to West.
My Casting Choice: Genevieve (Cortese) Padalecki had the lead role in the ABC Family drama Wildfire, but is best known for role of Ruby on Supernatural. She also appeared in the short-lived drama FlashForward.
Robbie Amell
HENRY
The series’ male romantic lead, this handsome and well-built gent presents a seemingly open nature that belies a bit of a past.
My Casting Choice: Robbie Amell, best know for his role of Stephen Jameson on the short-lived The Tomorrow People, he has also appeared in True Jackson VP, Alcatraz and Revenge.
Gideon Emery
THE WIZARD
On the exterior, this 40something male is a charismatic and politically astute leader, earnest in his beliefs and intentions but also an “ends justify the means” sort. His showmanship however conceals a dangerous, and perhaps deadly, seriousness.
My Casting Choice: Gideon Emery is probably best known for playing Deucalion on Teen Wolf, but he has also had roles in the short-lived Last Resort, NCIS, True Blood, Moonlight, The Mentalist, Castle and Burn Notice. He has also lent his voice to countless video games such as Final Fantasy and Star Wars.
Jason Dohring
EAMONN
The Wizard’s right-hand man is unquestioningly loyal. A strong, silent type.
My Casting Choice: Jason Dohring, who is best known for his roles of Logan Echolls on Veronica Mars and Josef Kostan on Moonlight, has also appeared in episodes of Roswell, JAG, Judging Amy and Ringer.
Sammi Hanratty
TIP
All of 15 and harboring a secret past, this lass is undergoing the discomfort of discovering her sexuality.
My Casting Choice: Sammi Hanratty, best known for her roles of Young Chuck on Pushing Daisies and Jenny Gerhardt on The Unit, has also been seen in episodes of Mad Men, Rizzoli & Isles, Chosen and Salem.
Cody Christian
JACK
Tip’s neighbor and closest friend, an adventurous and energetic teen.
My Casting Choice: Cody Christian has had a recurring role on Pretty Little Liars, playing Mike Montgomery, but he has also appeared in Lab Rats and Body of Proof.
Kevin Durand
OJO
A member of the Munja’kin, a primitive and isolated cross-pollinated culture, this stoic and fearsome man (mid-30s to early 40s) is rather unsympathetic to Dorothy’s plight.
My Casting Choice: Kevin Durand, who appeared as Joshua on Dark Angel and Martin Keamy on Lost, has also appeared in I Am Number Four, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and Winter’s Tale.
Johnny Sequoyah
SYLVIA
A “good mimic” is sought to play this odd, feral and haunted 10-year-old.
My Casting Choice: Johnny Sequoyah, who made her TV debut in the short-lived series Believe.
After reading the description of the show and the characters who will play in that world, what actors/actresses would you like to see star in Emerald City? Please share your thoughts.
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