The cast has been set for “The Franchise,” the upcoming HBO comedy pilot from Sam Mendes, set in the world of franchise moviemaking.
Billy Magnussen (“No Time to Die”) as Adam, Jessica Hines (“Spaced”) as Steph, Darren Goldstein (“The Affair”) as Pat, Lolly Adefepo (“Ghost”) as Dag and Isaac Powell (“Ghost”). Dear Evan Hansen”) as Bryson. Daniel Brühl and Richard E. Grant are also set in recurring roles.
Based on an idea by Mendes (“1917,” “Skyfall”), the story follows a crew of optimists trapped inside the idle, pointless, joyless hellscape of franchise superhero movie-making. If and when they finally do make the day, the questions still loom: Is this the new dawn of Hollywood or the end of cinema? Is this a dream factory or a chemical plant?
“Veep” and “Avenue 5” alumnus Armando Iannucci serves as executive producer, while Jon Brown is showrunner, writer and executive producer. Pippa Harris, Nicholas Brown and Julie Pastor are executive producers through Neal Street Productions. Marina Hyde, Keith Akushi and Jim Clevervis also serve as executive producers.
The series marks Mendes’ first time directing American television.
Billy Magnussen is represented by UTA, Anonymous Content & Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern and Rogers & Cowan.
Jessica Hines is represented by Independent Talent Group and Seven Summits Pictures and Management.
Darren Goldstein is represented by Cornerstone Talent Agency and Suskin/Kurshan Management.
Lolly Adefope is represented by Dawn Sedgwick Management.
Isaac Powell is represented by CAA, Impression Entertainment and Shrek Rose Dapelo is represented by Adams Berlin & Dunham.
Daniel Brühl is represented by UTA, Tavistock Wood and Players.
Richard E. Grant is represented by Curtis Brown in the UK and WME in the US
