John Grisham’s ‘The Whistler’ in the Works at TNT; TBS Orders Chris Romano, Hilary Winston Pilots (EXCLUSIVE)

Joe Otterson TV ReporterApple has given a straight-to-series order for the children’s series “Jane” from J.J. Johnson, Sinking Ship Entertainment, and the Jane Goodall Institute.The series is titled “Jane.” It will feature a mixture of live-action and CGI as it follows Jane Garcia, a 10-year-old girl with an active imagination.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterAnthony King has signed on as showrunner and executive producer for Season 2 of “Woke” at Hulu, Variety has learned exclusively.He takes over from Season 1 showrunner Jay Dyer. In his new role, King will work alongside series co-creators Marshall Todd and Keith Knight, with Knight’s life and art serving as the inspiration for the series.“I am really excited to add Anthony to the team,” Knight said.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNetflix has ordered a new one-hour drama series from Martin Gero and Brendan Gall, Variety has learned exclusively.The six-episode series is titled “Breathe.” When a small plane crashes in the middle of the Canadian wilderness, a lone woman must battle the elements and odds to survive.Gero and Gall are co-writing and executive producing the series, with Gero executive producing under his Quinn’s House Production company. Warner Bros.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterDaniella Garcia has been cast in the upcoming ABC series “Rebel” in a recurring role, Variety has learned exclusively.The series stars as Katey Sagal as Annie “Rebel” Bello, a blue-collar legal advocate without a law degree. She’s described as a funny, messy, brilliant and fearless woman who cares desperately about the causes she fights for and the people she loves.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIn a competitive situation, Marvin Lemus has signed with Verve, Variety has learned exclusively.Lemus, a Mexican-Guatemalan filmmaker, will continue to be repped by The Mission Entertainment in addition to Verve.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA series set in Wakanda is in development at Disney Plus.The series is part of a new multi-year overall television deal Ryan Coogler and his Proximity Media have signed with The Walt Disney Company and will include other television projects in the future. Coogler previously directed and co-wrote the hit Marvel film “Black Panther,” which takes place in the fictional African nation of Wakanda.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe CW is developing a spinoff of “All American” starring Geffri Maya.The potential new series is titled “All American: Homecoming” and will see Maya reprise her role as Simone Hicks from the mothership series.“All American: Homecoming” is described as a young adult sports drama set against the backdrop of the HBCU experience.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterNeve Campbell has signed on for a leading role in “The Lincoln Lawyer” series that was recently announced at Netflix.She joins previously announced series Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, who will star as Mickey Haller, runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car.Campbell will play Maggie McPherson.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterABC has picked up three comedy pilots for the 2021 pilot season.Two of the pilots — a reboot of “The Wonder Years” and “Maggie” — are single-cams and will be produced by 20th Television. The third, an untitled multi-cam from Regina Hicks, is produced by ABC Signature.The “Wonder Years” reboot was originally announced as being in development back in July.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterABC has ordered two drama series to pilot in some of its first pilot pickups of the 2021 pilot season.The broadcaster has given out pilot orders to the one-hour shows “Queens” and “Epic.” Both will be produced by ABC Signature. They join the previously announced ABC drama pilot “Acts of Crime,” which hails from Sam Esmail.“Queens” is written and executive produced by Zahir McGhee and executive produced by Sabrina Wind.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJoel Kinnaman has been cast in the upcoming “In Treatment” reboot at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively.The reimagined series brings a diverse trio of patients in session with the observant, empathetic Dr.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterArmie Hammer will no longer star in the upcoming Paramount Plus series “The Offer,” which tells the behind the scenes story of the making of “The Godfather,” Variety has learned from sources.It was announced in early December that Hammer was attached to lead the show in the role of Al Ruddy, who produced “The Godfather” back in 1972. The 10-episode series details Ruddy’s experience working on the iconic film.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterKatie Beth Hall has been cast in the “Head of the Class” reboot pilot at HBO Max, Variety has learned exclusively.She joins previously announced series lead Isabella Gomez as well as cast members Jorge Diaz, Dior Goodjohn, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Brandon Severs, and Christa Miller.The rebooted series revolves around a group of overachieving high school students who meet their greatest challenge — a teacher Alicia Adams (Gomez), who wants them to focus less on grades and

Joe Otterson TV ReporterPamela Adlon and Rhys Wakefield have been cast in guest starring roles in the upcoming Showtime drama series “The First Lady,” Variety has confirmed.They join previously announced series stars Viola Davis and Michelle Pfeiffer, who will play Michelle Obama and Betty Ford respectively. Variety exclusively reported that Jayme Lawson and Kristine Froseth will play a young Obama and a young Ford.Formerly known as “First Ladies,” the show is described as a reframing of

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe upcoming Showtime series “The First Lady” has cast Kristine Froseth and Jayme Lawson, Variety has learned exclusively.The pair join previously announced series stars Viola Davis and Michelle Pfeiffer, who will play Michelle Obama and Betty Ford respectively. Formerly known as “First Ladies,” the show is described as a reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterKrysten Ritter has signed with CAA for representation in all areas, Variety has learned exclusively.Ritter joins the agency from WME. She continues to be managed by Kyle Luker at Industry Entertainment and Steve Caserta at Principal Entertainment LA.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBrie Larson is set to star in and executive produce the drama series “Lessons in Chemistry,” which has landed a straight-to-series order at Apple in a competitive situation, Variety has learned exclusively.The series is based on the upcoming debut novel from author, science editor, and copywriter Bonnie Garmus.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA series adaptation of “Tales of Dunk and Egg,” a prequel to the events of “Game of Thrones,” is in early development at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively from sources.The one-hour show would be based on the series of fantasy novellas by George R. R.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterStampede Ventures and wiip have partnered to adapt the first book in Gareth L. Powell’s epic sci-fi novel series “Embers of War” as a television show, Variety has learned exclusively.Gary Graham is attached to adapt the book for the screen, with Breck Eisner onboard to direct.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Snowpiercer” has been renewed for Season 3 at TNT, Variety has learned exclusively.News of the renewal comes just under a week ahead of the launch of Season 2, which is set to debut on TNT on Jan. 25.