We’re one step closer to getting an American version of “Misfits.” Freeform has given a pilot order to a sci-fi drama inspired by the cult British series, Deadline reports. The project hails from Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz’s Fake Empire and “iZombie” co-creator Diane Ruggiero-Wright, who penned the pilot and is signed on to serve as showrunner. Victoria Mahoney will helm the pilot.
The original E4 series ran for five seasons and follows a motley crew of young offenders sentenced to participate in a community service program. The young adults obtain supernatural powers in the aftermath of a mysterious electrical storm.
Four of the five leads of the U.S. reboot have been cast: Ashleigh LaThrop (“Fifty Shades Darker), Allie MacDonald (“Orphan Black”), Tre Hall (“Rebel”), and Jake Cannavale (“Nurse Jackie”).
Savage, Schwartz, and Ruggiero will serve as executive producers alongside the creator of the original series, Howard Overman, and Clerkenwell Films’ Murray Ferguson, who produced the UK version. Fake Empire’s Lis Rowinski will co-executive produce.
Ruggiero co-wrote the “Veronica Mars” movie and wrote for the critically acclaimed teen detective series. She’s penned episodes of “The Ex List,” “Cupid,” and “Dirty Sexy Money.” “iZombie” is currently in its third season and was recently renewed by The CW for a fourth.
Mahoney’s directing credits include “American Crime,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Queen Sugar.”
