Simu Liu, Michelle Buteau and Hamish Linklater join Elizabeth Banks comedy
Deadline reports the trio will recur in Apple TV’s untitled half-hour comedy led by Elizabeth Banks and Ted Danson.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Apple TV’s untitled Elizabeth Banks comedy is adding more star power, with Hamish Linklater, Michelle Buteau and Simu Liu set for recurring roles, Deadline reported.
The half-hour series, created by Liz Heldens and Matt Ward, already has Banks leading the cast alongside previously announced players Ted Danson, Katey Sagal, Rob Delaney, Jared Goldstein and Spencer Moss, according to Deadline.
The show is expected to film in Los Angeles later this year, Deadline reported.
Who they are playing
Deadline reported that Linklater will appear as Evan, the ex-husband of Banks’ character, Heidi. Buteau will play Melissa, described in the report as a gifted advertising executive. Liu will recur as Dr. Zhou, a physician who treats Heidi’s son.
The casting gives the comedy a broad bench of performers with recent credits across television and film. Deadline identified Linklater’s credits as including Widow’s Bay and Manhunt, Buteau’s as Survival of the Thickest, and Liu’s as Shang-Chi and Barbie.
The setup
The series centers on Heidi, played by Banks, after a difficult divorce, according to Deadline. She is trying to build a more colorful next chapter for herself and her children.
That plan gets complicated when Heidi becomes involved in organizing the romantic and sexual antics at her father’s retirement community, Deadline reported. Danson plays Heidi’s father.
The situation also pushes Heidi into a partnership with the single son of her father’s girlfriend, according to the report.
Who is making it
The series is being produced for Apple TV by 20th Television, Deadline reported. Heldens and Ward are serving as showrunners and executive producers.
Banks is also an executive producer through Brownstone Productions, alongside Max Handelman and Krissy Wall, according to Deadline.
Jonathan Krisel, whose credits listed by Deadline include Adults and English Teacher, will direct the pilot and executive produce. Quinn Haberman is also an executive producer, working with Heldens for Selfish Mermaid.
Jason Winer and Jon Radler will executive produce for Small Dog Picture Company, Deadline reported.
Representation
Deadline reported that Linklater is represented by Untitled Entertainment, Gersh, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. Buteau is represented by Mosaic and CAA.
Liu is represented by CAA, 1v1 Entertainment, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern, according to Deadline.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.