J.D. Robb discussion

Whoa! The planned series, Will Trent, gets ABC Cast Contingent Pilot Order. Not quite sure what that means but here’s the link to the article.

https://deadline.com/2022/02/will-tre...

I think this is a first step toward getting actors under contract to film a pilot. It doesn't mean much, the network still has to like what they see.

They said it’s contingent on casting, which I interpreted to mean they have specific leads in mind who haven’t yet signed. The actors probably needed a commitment before they made one.

At least I hope this is what it is.

This is great. I love Will Trent. I hope KS makes sure they keep him true to the books.

Pieces of Her is starting in March on Netflix.

Didn’t know that! I’ll open a topic.

I loved Will Trent! Can't wait for that one.

The casting will be critical. I wonder who they have in mind for Will, Sara and Amanda. Are they starting with the Will Trent series or back tracking into Grant County?

This should be interesting. I hope they cast these characters as well as Amazon Prime did with the Harry Bosch series.

Lol. I copied the post from Karin Slaughter to share and found this post. I am so excited for this.

They HAVE to get Will Trent right!! The casting is critical.

I agree, ladies. The casting is everything.

I agree.

Wow this is great news.

My interest is piqued!

Agree with you all, casting is so critical!!! Really hoping they don't do to the Will Trent series what was done to the Virgin River storyline. But it's ABC so my expectations are low.

The major issue I have with ABC is their lack of patience with new series. I’ve lost count of the series I’ve enjoyed that they’ve cancelled after one season. They have an abysmal record. Now, I wait until the second season has been approved before trying out new ones.

I agree, Jo Ann. My expectations are low also. I also agree with Jonetta. ABC has canceled several series I have really liked after too short a time.

I agree. I rarely start a new series on ABC anymore because they pull the plug too quickly.

The cast makes or breaks most shows although I didn't like the casting when Bones was first released. It only took 2 shows for Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz to become the characters I saw in my head when I read Kathy Reichs' books.

Sometimes you’ve got to give them time to grow on you, erase the images you’ve created in your head. It’s hard but if the acting is great, it happens.

I can’t wait

Well, they’ve cast the lead for Will Trent. I’m not feeling it right now but I’ll keep an open mind. Will is 6’4” with dirty blond hair in the book series; this actor is 5’11” and Puerto Rican. They’re gonna have to change his entire history.

https://deadline.com/2022/04/ramon-ro...

That doesn't work for me either! Lol

No No No. This actor is great...but he's not Will Trent.

ABC always gets it wrong. I like the actor, just not the casting.

But! I will give him a chance to win me over.

I needed him to be tall, mostly. He always had sort of a Nordic image in my head, too.

Jonetta wrote: "I needed him to be tall, mostly. He always had sort of a Nordic image in my head, too."

Me too. I pictured someone similar to the actor that played Jack Reacher in the Prime Video TV series.

Why yes, Will Trent is such a Puerto Rican name. I'm sorry, I just think the casting is ridiculous. I can't wait to see the rest of the casting. I'm not sure why I feel this way, I applauded Shondra Rhimes' Bridgerton casting, but this feels wrong. Artificial?

Aside from Shonda Rhimes developed vehicles, ABC has an abysmal record with series development. Really wish this was being developed by someone else.

Maureen wrote: "Why yes, Will Trent is such a Puerto Rican name. I'm sorry, I just think the casting is ridiculous. I can't wait to see the rest of the casting. I'm not sure why I feel this way, I applauded Shondr..."

Yes, this feels wrong.

This. Is. NOT. Will!!!! Oh, ABC, I had a glimmer of hope...

Oh no, he's going to act his socks off to become my Will Trent. (Very sad face)

Wonder what Slaughter thinks.

I'm sure Slaughter isn't going to say anything about it. After all it would be so un-PC of her to object to them taking her hot, white, tall male character and making him a shorter Puerto Rican.

Anita wrote: "I'm sure Slaughter isn't going to say anything about it. After all it would be so un-PC of her to object to them taking her hot, white, tall male character and making him a shorter Puerto Rican."

She really can't say anything - once they sell the rights to studio or channel/station, it hands off.

Yes she can. She’s one of the executive producers.

Jonetta wrote: "Yes she can. She’s one of the executive producers."

Being an EP is just another way to get money to her and keep her quiet. Look at Bosch and see all of the EPs. In fact many TV shows do this now. More money, no power.

This isn't working for me. I am looking forward to this show so much. Ramón Rodríguez is a good actor, but I don't think that will be enough to make me forget my image of Will Trent. Is casting required to read the book?

Mdy wrote: "Anita wrote: "I'm sure Slaughter isn't going to say anything about it. After all it would be so un-PC of her to object to them taking her hot, white, tall male character and making him a shorter Pu..."

I believe she can say something. Diana Gabaldon was upset with Sam Heughan as Jamie, but Ronald Moore convinced her with galleys and past acting clips that he would work.

Maureen wrote: "Being an EP is just another way to get money to her and keep her quiet. Look at Bosch and see all of the EPs. In fact many TV shows do this now. More money, no power. ..."

Depends on the contract. I’ve read countless interviews given by Connelly on Bosch where he’s recounted his influence on casting and script. In fact, he’s one of the screenwriters. It’s not a one size fits all role, especially if that title comes before the series begins filming.

Sharon wrote: "I believe she can say something. Diana Gabaldon was upset with Sam Heughan as Jamie, but Ronald Moore convinced her with galleys and past acting clips that he would work. ..."

I remember that! Gabaldon is not one to hold her tongue and she was rather forceful on the issue.

If I remember correctly, it was a screen test with Sam & Claire that won her over.

Jonetta wrote: "Maureen wrote: "Being an EP is just another way to get money to her and keep her quiet. Look at Bosch and see all of the EPs. In fact many TV shows do this now. More money, no power. ..."

Depends ..."
True, but I still think he is an exception. Can you imagine 20 EP's trying to give their opinions?

The point is, we cannot assume she has no control or is hindered by any other issues.

As with other odd casting decisions, it’s best to wait and see what the true rationale is. I’m certain our assembly of interested readers aren’t alone in our point of view.

I don't have a problem casting him as Will Trent. I know Ramon Rodriguez is a very good actor. I've liked him in everything I've seen him in. He may not look like the Will Trent that is described in the books, but I think he'll grow into the character. I'm more worried about how they write the story,

Thanks for that input, Robin. I’ll keep an open mind.

Jonetta wrote: "Yes she can. She’s one of the executive producers."

I agree that being one of the Exec Prod. should give her more of a say in the casting - but so much of that comes down to how the contracts are written.

I'm keeping an open mind and look forward to seeing what they do with the character and the plots.

That said, I have to wonder why the producers made such an incongruous casting choice. Did they not read the description of the character? So much of Will's personality is connected to his size. He is the epitome of the gentle giant who struggles with his physical strength.

Exactly.

Erika Christensen has been cast as Angie:

https://deadline.com/2022/04/erika-ch...