UPDATE with character descriptions, additional casting: Tarsem Singh has been tapped to direct all 10 episodes of Emerald City, the recently resurrected NBC series that underwent a redevelopment via writer/executive producer David Schulner. Shaun Cassidy is also executive producer on the Universal TV-produced series. Oliver Jackson Cohen, Ana Ularu and Gerran Howell have joined the cast of the series, described as a modern and dark reimagining of the classic tale of Oz in the vein of Game Of Thrones.
In Emerald City, 20-year-old Dorothy Gale and her K9 police dog are transported via tornado to another world, one far removed from our own — a mystical land of competing kingdoms, lethal warriors, dark magic and a bloody battle for supremacy. Last month, Adria Arjona was cast as Dorothy.
Jackson Cohen (Dracula, The Raven) will play Lucas, described as handsome, mysterious and quick-witted. Dorothy finds him, beaten, bloodied, and moaning on a post outside the ruins of his village. The sole survivor of what appears to gave been a mass crucifixion, he remembers nothing of his past, not even his name. He joins Dorothy on her journey to the Emerald City, and as they survive challenge after challenge, he proves his loyalty to the brave but bewildered newcomer.
Ularu (Inferno) will play West, a force of nature who has entered an unholy alliance with the Wizard. Corrupt and languorously seductive, she is a creature of perverse humor and unsavory appetites. She lives in a lavishly appointed brothel where she is the madam of sorts. When confronted with the news of the First Sign that foretells the coming of the Beast, she’s clearly deeply affected by the portent’s significance…and what it means for her.
Howell, repped by CAM in London and attorney Lev Ginsburg, is set as brave, adventurous and perpetually positive Jack. Tarsem (his preferred name these days) most recently helmed the sci-fi pic Self/Less with Ryan Reynolds and Ben Kingsley and the Snow White pic Mirror Mirror.
Stay tuned for more info on this one.
Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.