FX has secured itself as one of the premier networks for limited series. With their trio of Ryan Murphy-led anthology series and the recent “Trust,” FX is proving to be a place where big-name creators are flocking to. And with this newest report, it appears that the network is continuing that trend.
Variety is reporting that Oscar-winning actor Sam Rockwell and Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams have signed on to star in a new limited series for FX about the life of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. And if those two actors aren’t enough to get you excited, then you’ll probably be happy to know that theater heavyweights Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Steven Levenson are all attached to the series, as well.
The untitled series is based on the biography “Fosse,” written by Sam Wesson, and will be told in eight-parts detailing the romantic and creative relationship between Verdon and Fosse. The duo is responsible for revolutionizing the entertainment industry with his choreography and filmmaking and her incredible dancing.
“We are over the moon about this dream team we’ve assembled for this incredible series,” said Nick Grad, co-president of original programming for FX Networks and FX Productions. “Tommy, Steven, and Lin are the perfect team to tell the story of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, and we’re so thrilled to have Sam and Michelle playing these iconic roles.”
Rockwell is an acclaimed actor that recently won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” Williams, of course, has been nominated for four Oscars, most recently for her work in “Manchester by the Sea.” Together, they’re going to headline what is sure to be a great cast.
Miranda is set to be an executive producer on the series, and is probably best known for his massive Broadway production, “Hamilton.” Levenson will serve as writer on the series, and won a Tony award for his work on “Dear Evan Hansen.” Kail will direct the series and is known as the director of Broadway musicals “In the Heights” and the aforementioned “Hamilton.”
“Bob Fosse ignited a revolution in American dance, theater, and film,” Kail, Levenson, and Miranda said in a joint statement. “But, in contrast to the well-worn myth of the visionary artist working in solitude, Fosse’s work would not have been possible without Gwen Verdon, the woman who helped to mold his style – and make him a star. We are honored to work with the incredible team at FX and Fox 21, and these two extraordinary actors, to tell the story of this remarkable couple, and the complicated, fascinating relationship between them.”
Production is set to begin this fall with a 2019 premiere in mind.
November 19, 2018 update (see more below): Norbert Leo Butz, Margaret Qualley, Aya Cash, Nate Corddry, Susan Misner, Bianca Marroquin, Kelli Barrett, Evan Handler, Rick Holmes and Paul Reiser also join the cast.
https://twitter.com/ThePlaylist/status/1064575613531508743
FX today announced the additional cast that will appear in Fosse/Verdon, an eight episode limited series from award-winning producers Thomas Kail, Steven Levenson, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Joel Fields. Production on the series, now officially titled Fosse/Verdon, is currently underway in New York City ahead of its premiere on FX in Spring 2019.
Joining Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell and four-time Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams in the highly-anticipated series are series regulars Norbert Leo Butz as PADDY CHAYEFSKY and Margaret Qualley as ANN REINKING. Additional recurring cast members include:
-Aya Cash as JOAN SIMON
– Nate Corddry as NEIL SIMON
– Susan Misner as JOAN MCCRACKEN
– Bianca Marroquin as CHITA RIVERA
– Kelli Barrett as LIZA MINNELLI
– Evan Handler as HAL PRINCE
– Rick Holmes as FRED WEAVER
– Paul Reiser as CY FEUER
Also joining the cast are Ethan Slater as Joel Grey, Byron Jennings as George Abbott and Laura Osnes as Shirley MacLaine.
Based on Fosse, the biography written by Sam Wasson, this eight-part limited series tells the story of the singular romantic and creative partnership between Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. He was a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors. She was the greatest Broadway dancer of all time. Together they changed the face of American entertainment – at a perilous cost. Featuring Fosse’s choreography, the series explores the hidden corners of show business, the price of pursuing greatness, and the suffering inflicted in the name of art.
Kail, Levenson, Miranda, Fields, Rockwell, Williams and George Stelzner are Executive Producers of the limited series that is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions. Levenson, who will serve as showrunner, wrote the premiere episode which will be directed by Kail. Actress, dancer and producer Nicole Fosse, and daughter of Fosse and Verdon, serves as Co-Executive Producer and oversees The Verdon Fosse Legacy. Co-Producer Andy Blankenbuehler is serving as a Choreographer, as is Susan Misner. Erica Kay serves as Producer.
