The fate of The New Mutants may be up in the air, but director Josh Boone is moving on with his next project. Earlier this year, it was reported that Boon would retool his long-gestating adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand into a 10-episode TV series for CBS All Access. There haven’t been any new developments on the show since then. But according to Collider, the producers are beginning to court actors for several key roles.
Former X-Men star James Marsden is said to be in “advanced negotiations” to headline the series as Stu Redman. In King’s novel, Redman is the first person revealed to be immune to the effects of the virus that eradicates most of the human race. He goes on to lead a group of survivors living in what’s called the “Free Zone” in Boulder, Colorado. Additionally, Aquaman’s Amber Heard is reportedly the top choice to play Nadine Cross. Nadine is a schoolteacher who experiences recurring dreams of the novel’s antagonist, Randall Flagg.
RELATED: Stephen King’s The Stand Is Coming to CBS All Access
The series is also looking to cast another pair of big-name actors to play crucial supporting characters. If everything works out, Whoopi Goldberg will co-star as Mother Abagail and Greg Kinnear will appear as Glen Bateman. Mother Abagail is the 108-year-old spiritual leader of the Free Zone survivors. Bateman is a former sociology professor who proves to be a valuable ally to Stu in his travels.
Finally, the producers are targeting Odessa Young to play the pregnant vagabond Frannie Goldsmith and Henry Zaga as Nick Andros. Surprisingly, there’s no indication of who might play Randall Flagg on the series just yet. However, it’s probably better if the producers take their time in finding the right actor to bring him to life. After all, the character is easily one of the most iconic villains to grace any of King’s books.
What do you make of these newest casting reports for CBS All Access remake of The Stand? Who would you choose to play Randall Flagg? Give us your impressions in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: The Stand Omnibus
