Back in June, Collider had the scoop that CBS All Access was eyeing several high-profile actors to join The Stand. Now, the streaming service has confirmed that most of those names will indeed be coming aboard the 10-episode series. Deadline brings word that James Marsden, Amber Heard, Odessa Young, and Henry Zaga are set to star in the new adaptation of Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic novel.
Marsden will headline the series as the novel’s protagonist, Stu Redman, with Heard co-starring as Nadine Cross, a character with strong ties to the villainous Randall Flagg. Young will fill the role of pregnant traveler Frannie Goldsmith and Zaga will play the deaf-mute Nick Andros. It’s also worth mentioning that Deadline makes no mention of Whoopi Goldberg and Greg Kinnear joining the series as well. Collider’s initial report had them pegged to star as Mother Abagail and Glen Bateman, respectively. It’s not clear if the actors haven’t finalized their deals yet or if the network has decided to look at other actors for these roles.
RELATED: James Marsden and Amber Heard Head for The Stand
King will also be directly involved with the show. The author previously wrote the screenplay for ABC’s take on The Stand, which aired in 1994. Josh Boone and Ben Cavell are the primary writers for this new version. However, King will pen the final episode, which apparently features “a new coda that won’t be found in the book.”
What do you think about the cast for The Stand? Should CBS All Access stick with Whoopi Goldberg and Greg Kinnear for Mother Abagail and Glen Bateman? Give us your impressions in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading – Stephen King’s The Stand Omnibus
