Kevin Williamson's 'The Following'

[Sawyer]

Deadline:

Justified alumna Natalie Zea has joined Fox’s untitled Kevin Williamson drama pilot. The project, from Warner Bros TV, is a thriller about ex-FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) who leads the search to catch diabolical serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) who has created a cult of serial killers. Zea will play Claire Matthews, Carroll’s ex-wife who finds herself in the middle of a nightmare when he escapes from prison. Zea, repped by UTA and manager Robert Semon, has been hot coming off 3 seasons on the FX drama Justified, fielding multiple pilot offers until settling on Kevin Williamson. Her series credits also include Hung and Californication. Zea is the second Justified alumna to book a broadcast pilot today. A few hours ago, Margo Mortindale landed a lead in the ABC comedy Counter Culture.

[Asgard]

Does this mean shes done with Justified?

[Sawyer]

Perhaps the two series will have different shooting schedules?

[jdogg willie]

Originally Posted by Asgard

Does this mean shes done with Justified?

Well... since FX is a subsidirary network, and not a rival, of FOX, she would be able to do both Justified and this new series... I would think.

[Sawyer]

Deadline:

Young Mexican actor Adan Canto has been cast as a series regular in Fox’s untitled Kevin Williamson drama pilot. The project, from Warner Bros TV, is a thriller about ex-FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) who leads the search to catch diabolical serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) who has created a cult of serial killers. Canto will play Billy, a supportive friend who helps keep Sarah, who is Carroll’s last intended victim, safe. Canto’s casting stems from talent deals Fox signed in January with him and Mexican actress Martha Higareda as part of the network’s initiative to find untapped Latin American talent. Canto, managed by Aida Berna, is an up-and-comer in Mexico and new to Hollywood; this is his first U.S. gig.

On a side note, I wonder when this thing's gonna get an official title...

[Sawyer]

Apparently, this started shooting today in Atlanta.

[Crockett]

Maggie Grace signed on for a recurring role.

Former Lost actress Maggie Grace has signed on for a key recurring role in Fox’s serial killer drama project.

Grace will play a young doctor who’s the only surviving victim of infamous serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy). The killer is being tracked by an FBI investigator played by Kevin Bacon. We can’t tell you anything else about Grace’s part, but it’s a fun ride.

http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/03/21/ma...in-williamson/

[Sawyer]

I approve. Funny that Williamson's going to have both Boone and Shannon from LOST on one of his shows.

[Sawyer]

Deadline:

The only mystery surrounding the UNTITLED KEVIN WILLIAMSON project seems to be where it will land on the Fox schedule and whether it would launch in the fall or midseason.

God ****ing dammit, Fox, don't you dare hold this off until midseason.

[Shifty]

As much as I want to see this in September I think it will launch with NFL playoffs and go for 15 straight weeks similar to 24 and Smash. Fox used that model this season with Terra Nova, Alcatraz and Touch. It didn't pay off but that's only because audiences didn't like what they saw. If they took some weeks off it could've been worse.

[Sawyer]

I think they could concievably air the show without breaks, without having to hold it off until midseason. They could start in mid/late August, through September, October and November, and end in early/mid-December.

These days, it just feels like premiering a show midseason is like asking for it to fail.

[Sawyer]

Officially Picked Up!

Apparently the official title is The Following.

[Randal Graves]

Cool.

[Hunter Rider]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

Officially Picked Up!

Apparently the official title is The Following.

That fits with the concept, is it going to be a fall show?

[Sawyer]

Many seem to believe it'll be midseason. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that, but whatever.

[Donut]

As much as I want to see this show I think I am going to wait. FOX cancelled their other new shows. I do not want to like another FOX show only to see FOX cancel it. The first chance they get. I think I am done with FOX when Fringe is over

[Sawyer]

They renewed Touch.

[Donut]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

They renewed Touch.

Never got into it after the pilot & I guess I am a little bias because I blame Touch for holding back the 24 movies. Also knowing FOX. Touch is gone after the second season anyway

[Hunter Rider]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

Many seem to believe it'll be midseason. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that, but whatever.

I'd prefer it was a fall show but if it's only 15 eps then I guess mid season seems likely.

[Sawyer]

It just feels to me like holding a new series on a broadcast network off until midseason is pretty much setting it up to fail.

Williamson and Bacon are such a killer combo. Having something like this in the fall would seem so much more enticing.

[Donut]

Originally Posted by Hunter Rider

I'd prefer it was a fall show but if it's only 15 eps then I guess mid season seems likely.

FOX will need something to air. Once Fringe is done. So I would not be surprised

[Sawyer]

I doubt they'd premiere the show on Friday. That'd be like a double-whammy of bad decisions.

[Hunter Rider]

Originally Posted by Sawyer

I doubt they'd premiere the show on Friday. That'd be like a double-whammy of bad decisions.

Exactly, and what was the last mid season show to succeed?

[Shifty]

They can put it after American Idol to help launch it.

Schedule could look like this

Bones/The Mob Doctor
2 hour comedies
2 hour X-Factor
The X-Factor/Glee
Kitchen Nightmares/Fringe

Bones/The Mob Doctor or Guilty
2 hour comedies
2 hour American Idol
American Idol/The Following
New Gordon Ramsay show/Touch

[Crockett]

Glad that it's picked up and everything this far sounds good, can we expect this to have its premiere this year?