Robert Rodríguez Sets First-Look Deal With HBO, HBO Max

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJesse Williams has joined the cast of the Hulu drama pilot “Olga Dies Dreaming.”Williams joins previously announced series leads Aubrey Plaza and Ramón Rodríguez in the pilot, which is based on the yet-to-be-released novel of the same name by Xóchitl Gonzalez.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe “Vampire Academy” series at Peacock has set its main cast as well as the directors for Season 1, Variety has learned.The show, based on the book series by Richelle Mead, will star Sisi Stringer, Daniele Nieves, Kieron Moore, André Dae Kim, J. August Richards, Anita-Joy Uwajeh, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Rhian Blundell, Jonetta Kaiser, and Andrew Liner.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs have signed an overall deal with Warner Bros.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“American Vandal” creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault have landed a series order at Paramount Plus for an eSports mockumentary series called “Players,” Variety has learned.“Players” follows a fictional pro “League of Legends” team as they pursue their first championship after years of close calls and heartache.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterCM Punk lit the pro wrestling world on fire when he returned to the ring for AEW on Aug. 20, but now he is getting ready to debut as a completely different character on the Starz drama series “Heels.”The series is built around a small-town wrestling promotion in Georgia and follows the rivalry between the Spade brothers, who are also the promotion’s top stars.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterSteven Soderbergh and Ed Solomon have landed a series order at HBO Max for the drama “Full Circle,” Variety has learned exclusively.The series reunites the pair after they worked together on the film “No Sudden Move,” which was released on HBO Max in July. Casey Silver, who was a producer on “No Sudden Move,” will be an executive producer on the series.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterDr. Ibram X.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe untitled HBO series about the Los Angeles Lakers has added five to its cast, with Bo Burnham also exiting the series.It was reported in March that Burnham had been cast in the role of Celtics legend Larry Bird. According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, Burnham is no longer involved with the project due to scheduling conflicts.Sean Patrick Small will instead play Bird.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“The Witcher” showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich has signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix.Under the deal, Schmidt Hissrich will write and produce scripted series content and other creative projects for the streaming service.“I am so thrilled to have found my home at Netflix, and can’t wait to continue what’s been an incredibly fulfilling creative partnership,” Schmidt Hissrich said.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe AMC sci-fi series “Moonhaven” has enlisted Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy to direct the first two episodes, Variety has learned exclusively.The series is focused on a utopian colony on the Moon that may hold the keys to preserving life on Earth, which has become increasingly perilous.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe “Adventure Time” universe is expanding, with HBO Max ordering a new half-hour series about Fionna and Cake.In the 10-episode series, Fionna and Cake – with the help of the former Ice King, Simon Petrikov – embark on a multiverse-hopping adventure and journey of self-discovery.

Former WarnerMedia executive Bob Greenblatt is launching a production company and has a first-look deal with Lionsgate.Jon Wu will serve as a producer and head of filmed content for Greenblatt’s company, The Green Door.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterLongtime development executive Steven Prinz has signed an overall television deal and a first-look film deal with Amazon, Variety has learned.Prinz most recently served as global series executive for Amazon Studios, overseeing the development of projects from creators with first look and overall deals with the studio. Those included Plan B Entertainment, Michael B.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Painting with John” has been renewed for Season 2 at HBO, Variety has learned.Season one of the unscripted series featured musician, actor, director and painter John Lurie ensconced at his worktable, honing his intricate watercolor techniques and sharing reflections on what he’s learned about life.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterAuriel Rudnick has signed a three-year overall deal with Paramount Television Studios, Variety has learned exclusively.“I am excited to bring the kind of stories to life that I believe have long wanted to be told, and I am especially excited to be doing this with the phenomenal team at Paramount Television Studios,” Rudnick said.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterRJ Cyler has been cast in a series regular role in the upcoming Issa Rae HBO Max comedy series “Rap Sh*t,” Variety has learned.The series follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group. Cyler will play Lamont, an aspiring music producer with a sharp ear for talent.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterThe “Avatar: The Last Airbender” live-action series at Netflix has found its four series leads.Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, and Dallas Liu have all joined the series. Cormier will star as Aang, with Kiawentiio set to play Katara.

HBO and HBO Max signed a two-year first-look deal with filmmaker Robert Rodríguez, founder of Troublemaker Studios.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter“Housebroken” has been renewed for Season 2 at Fox, Variety has learned.The animated comedy series stars Lisa Kudrow, Clea DuVall, Nat Faxon, Will Forte, Tony Hale, Sharon Horgan, Jason Mantzoukas and Sam Richardson. DuVall also co-created the series.In “Housebroken,” Honey (Kudrow), a standard poodle, opens her living room for the group to come and support each other through the misery, mayhem and majesty that is being a pet.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterJen Statsky has extended her overall deal with Universal Television.Statsky is the co-creator, co-showrunner and executive producer of the HBO Max comedy series “Hacks.” The series, which she created alongside collaborators Lucia Aniello and Paul W.