Ronald D. Moore to Develop Magic Kingdom TV Universe at Disney Plus

Joe Otterson TV ReporterDominique Fishback has signed on to co-star with Samuel L. Jackson in the Apple drama series “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey,” Variety has learned.In addition, Ramin Bahrani has come onboard to direct and executive produce the limited series, which is based on the novel of the same name by Walter Mosley.Jackson stars as Grey, a 91 year old man forgotten by his family, by his friends, by even himself.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterBrandy Norwood, best known by the stage name Brandy, has signed on for one of the lead roles in the ABC drama pilot “Queens.”The pilot is about four estranged and out-of-touch women in their 40s who reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had as the Nasty Bitches – their ’90s group that made them legends in the hip-hop world.Brandy will play Naomi, better known as Xplicit Lyrics — the highly skilled musical engine of the Nasty Bitches.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterIndira Varma has joined the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series at Disney Plus, Variety has confirmed.The details of the character Varma will play are being kept under wraps. She joins previously announced series lead Ewan McGregor, who will reprise the role of Kenobi from the films.

Life with August! Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith became parents in February 2021 and have been documenting their baby boy’s life via Instagram ever since.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterWagner Moura has signed on to star opposite Elisabeth Moss in the Apple series “Shining Girls,” Variety has learned.The series is an adaptation of the 2013 Lauren Beukes novel of the same name. Moss plays a Chicago reporter who survived a brutal assault only to find her reality shifting as she hunts down her attacker.

Joe Otterson TV ReporterMike Tyson has come out strongly against the planned Hulu series based on his life, “Iron Mike.”The series, which was announced earlier on Thursday, has been given an eight-episode order at the streamer and is said to explore Tyson’s life and career in and out of the ring.“Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized mini-series of the Tyson story without compensation, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising,” Tyson posted on Instagram.

A meaningful moniker! Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith have known their newborn son’s name, August, for months.

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.

Mandy Moore is now a mom. The This Is Us star announced the arrival of her son August Harrison Goldsmith, nicknamed Gus, Tuesday on Instagram, which was also shared on her husband Taylor Goldsmith’s page.

For the Disney executives, there’s probably no word that gets them excited more than “franchise.” Whether that’s with “Star Wars,” Marvel Studios, Pixar, or any of their other content creation studios, Disney is all about franchises. So, it shouldn’t be all that shocking that the Mouse House is now hoping to turn another park attraction into a potential franchise with its Magic Kingdom Cinematic Universe.

Something really cool is in the works for the Disney+ streaming service!

For All Mankind executive producer Ron Moore is bringing the Magic Kingdom Universe to Disney+.

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 ReporterEve is set to play a leading role in the ABC drama pilot “Queens,” Variety has learned.The pilot is about four estranged and out-of-touch women in their 40s who reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had as the Nasty Bitches – their ’90s group that made them legends in the hip-hop world.Eve will star in the role of Brianna.