‘Man Who Fell to Earth’ Series at Paramount Plus Casts Chiwetel Ejiofor in Lead Role

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Ray Donovan” is getting a feature length film continuation at Showtime.Following the show’s surprising cancellation after seven seasons last year, star Liev Schreiber will return in the title role, with series stars Jon Voight and Kerris Dorsey also returning. Schreiber is co-writing the script with series showrunner David Hollander, with Hollander also directing.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA TV series followup to the 1969 film “The Italian Job” is in the works at Paramount Plus, Variety has learned.In the series, when the grandchildren of the legendary Charlie Croker inherit his old safety deposit box, the quest for the infamous Italian bullion is reignited.The project has received a script-to-series order at the streamer. Matt Wheeler is attached to write and executive produce, with Donald De Line onboard as a producer.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJeremy Renner has signed on to star in the Taylor Sheridan series “Mayor of Kingstown,” which is moving from Paramount Network to the streaming service Paramount Plus.In addition, Antoine Fuqua has boarded the series as an executive producer.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe “Frasier” revival has officially been ordered at Paramount Plus.Original series star Kelsey Grammer will return in the title role in addition to executive producing. Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli will serve as writers and executive producers, with Grammnet Productions’ Tom Russo and Jordan McMahon also executive producing.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterTaylor Sheridan has set up a number of new projects at Paramount Plus under his extended overall deal, including a “Yellowstone” spinoff.The spinoff is currently titled “6666.” Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterRonald D. Moore is in the process of developing multiple TV projects at Disney Plus that will be set in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Variety has confirmed with sources.The first such project will be “The Society of Explorers and Adventurers,” which Moore will write and executive produce.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA “Criminal Minds” revival is in early development at Paramount Plus, Variety has learned from sources.As the project is still in the early stages, details are still being finalized, including which of the original cast members would return. However, sources say that longtime “Criminal Minds” showrunner and executive producer Erica Messer would return to work on the revival.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Mom” will end its run on CBS this year at the conclusion of Season 8, Variety has learned.That means that the season finale currently scheduled for May 6 will now serve as the series finale. The show had been renewed for Seasons 7 and 8 in early 2019.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA “Real Housewives of Miami” revival was among the programming announcements Peacock made on Wednesday as part of its Television Critics Association presentation.The original “RHOM” aired on Bravo from 2011-2013 for four seasons.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe series based on Sally Rooney’s book “Conversations With Friends” has cast Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane, Joe Alwyn, and Jemima Kirke in four lead roles, Variety has learned.The Hulu-BBC Three series follows Frances (Oliver), a 21 year old college student, as she navigates a series of relationships that force her to confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time. Frances is observant, cerebral and sharp.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Tooning Out the News” has been renewed for Season 2 at Paramount Plus.As part of the renewal, the show is being rebranded as “Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News.” The second season will debut on March 4 with a half-hour special to coincide with the rebrand of CBS All Access to Paramount Plus.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe upcoming “The Last of Us” series adaptation at HBO has cast Bella Ramsey in the lead role of Ellie, Variety has confirmed.Ramsey is best known for her role as Lyanna Mormont in fellow HBO series “Game of Thrones.” The character Ellie is a 14-year old orphan who has never known anything but a ravaged planet.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterClaire Danes has signed on for the lead role in the upcoming Apple drama series “Essex Serpent,” Variety has learned exclusively.Danes takes over the role from Keira Knightley, whose exit from the project was reported back in October. The series is based on the book of the same name by Sarah Perry.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe cast of “The Best Man” film franchise is reuniting for a limited series that has been ordered at Peacock.“The Best Man: Final Chapters” will feature returning cast members Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, and Harold Perrineau. Peacock has ordered 10 episodes, with Malcolm D.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is taking on an exciting new role!

Joe Otterson TV ReporterA “Yellowstone” prequel series is set at Paramount Plus under an extension of series co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s overall deal with ViacomCBS.The prequel, “Y: 1883,” follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America.

Chiwetel Ejiofor will succeed David Bowie as the new Man Who Fell to Earth.

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 ReporterSam’s Esmail ABC drama pilot “Acts of Crime” has found its lead.Newcomer Candace Grace has been cast in the lead role in the pilot, with Josiah Cross, Peter Mark Kendall, and Molly Price also joining in series regular roles.Little is known about the plot of the show, other than being described as a unique spin on the crime procedural. Grace will star as Vivien Lamonte, a Black police detective working homicide in suburban New Jersey.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterTwo new streaming players made their presence known at the 2021 Golden Globe nominations on Wednesday morning.Both Disney Plus and HBO Max scored their first nominations from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Disney Plus picked up a nod for “The Mandalorian” in the best drama series category.