Post by Valerie on Feb 22, 2006 9:24:41 GMT -5
From Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
The CW network's untitled Aquaman project has netted a new leading man.
In a major recasting, Justin Hartley (ex-Fox) has been tapped to play the title role in the drama pilot.
Hartley replaces Will Toale, who originally was cast in the role when the pilot was ordered by WB Network.
"Will is a talented actor with a promising career and we hope to work with him in the future," a CW spokesman said. "We have made the decision to go in a different direction with the Aquaman role and wish him the best of luck in all of his endeavors."
Sources said the move to recast the lead role was a result of last month's surprise announcement by CBS Corp. and Warner Bros. Entertainment of plans to shut down CBS-owned UPN and Warners' signature network in order to start a jointly owned network, dubbed the CW, in the fall. UPN president Dawn Ostroff is set to oversee programming for the CW.
Sources said that after the UPN team began taking a look at WB's pilot development prospects, the decision was made to proceed with "Aquaman" but with a new lead. Sources said CBS Corp. president and CEO Leslie Moonves, who is known for his interest and savvy in pilot casting decisions, weighed in on the matter and recommended that they seek a new star, though Toale was still said to be in the running to keep the role as of last week.
After a few days of testing, the part went to Hartley, best known for his role on NBC's daytime drama "Passions."
Also cast in the untitled Aquaman project, a contemporary reinterpretation of the DC Comics character, are Ving Rhames as McCaffery and Denise Quinones as Rachel Starling.
"Smallville" executive producers/showrunners Miles Millar and Alfred Gough penned the script and are exec producing the pilot with Greg Beeman, who is on board to direct.
