CBS All Access is working on a new adaptation of Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic epic The Stand, but all we heard last was that Josh Boone and Ben Cavell were writing the script. Now, we’ve gotten word of some of the casting negotiations, which include a glimpse at who might be filling out the ensemble.
In the lead role of Stu Redman, the leader of the Free Zone who is the first found to be immune to the world-ending virus, the producers are looking to James Marsden of West World fame. Amber Heard is being pursued to play Nadine Cross, a school teacher who wishes to be by the side of Randall Flagg, the villain of the story. Whoopi Goldberg is in talks to play Mother Abagail, who leads a group of survivors to safety under the premise that she is a prophet of God. Greg Kinnear could play Glen Bateman, one of the members of the Free Zone who follows Stu. Odessa Young is in talks to play Frannie Goldsmith, a pregnant survivor in the Free Zone and love interest. Finally, Henry Zaga could be cast as Nick Andros, a deaf-mute grifter.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, a flu-like virus wipes out much of the world’s population, but those who survive come together in groups. While there are lots of moving parts to the story overall, the main conflict of the group is a battle of good versus evil between two small groups.
The biggest omission in these negotiations is who will play the Antichrist-esque Randall Flagg, the main villain of the piece. It could be that they haven’t found the right person yet, or they’re hoping to keep it a secret for now. Still, if all these castings go through, CBS All Access will have a pretty strong crew on its hands, which is important given the lukewarm reception given to the first season of The Twilight Zone.
