This week’s roundup of who’s casting what starring whom

What’s Casting

Not Kidding Around

Ed Helms and Randall Park tell a “True Story”

By Rebecca Welch

STAY IN THE LOOP ON

industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles!

Please note that shoot dates are subject to state and county restrictions and may change. Refer to Call Sheet for updates, and keep checking Backstage for the latest news on project development during this time.

“True Story”

Randall Park, last seen as Agent Jimmy Woo on “WandaVision,” is teaming up with Ed Helms to bring wild tales to the small screen. Based on the Australian series “True Story With Hamish & Andy,” the six-episode Peacock series will feature a hybrid of scripted and unscripted content. Helms and Park will host, listening to regular people share their most extraordinary, unbelievable true stories. Meanwhile, a rotating, star-studded cast of actors will reenact the yarns onscreen, “Drunk History”–style. Former “Drunk History” CD Melissa DeLizia will tap into her past work to assemble the cast. So far, Park and Helms are the only two names officially confirmed. Shooting will begin in mid-June in Los Angeles.

“Free Agents”

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is set to star in a new film from Lionsgate, directed by Deon Taylor. The rapper will portray a former football player who now leads a crime ring. The organization recruits a younger player who’s struggling to make ends meet for his family. Jackson, who’s also executive producing, is the only cast member officially attached so far. 5th House Casting is assembling additional talent for the project. Production on the revenge heist is set to start in early September in Atlanta.

“FBI: International”

Dick Wolf, the mind behind the “Law & Order” and “Chicago” franchises, is expanding his “FBI” series of shows (which includes “FBI” and “FBI: Most Wanted”) with “FBI: International.” As the title implies, the show will explore how criminals operate covertly outside of the United States’ jurisdiction. Tasked with protecting American interests across the globe, the series’ Prague-based team will undertake international missions. No actors have been announced for the drama, but Jonathan Strauss Casting is on board to find the international cohort. Production on the CBS series is expected to start this summer in New York.

For the latest news, check out backstage.com/ resources to find thousands of production listings, casting directors, acting classes, agents, and more!

FILM

Timmy and the Chocolate Factory

By Casey Mink

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE TIMOTHÉE

Chalamet has signed on to star as the world’s most famous chocolatier, Willy Wonka. The project, from Warner Bros. and the Roald Dahl Story Co., will simply be called “Wonka” and will follow the inventor through his younger years prior to opening his chocolate factory. The film will also be a musical, and as such, will be the first instance in which Chalamet sings and dances onscreen. Paul King will helm the production, which will feature a screenplay he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby.