Jodie Whittaker has been cast opposite Ellen Pompeo in the Hulu pilot Chicks, Variety has confirmed.
It was first announced in June that Pompeo would star in the pilot. The logline describes the film as “A family drama set in the rapidly gentrifying Old Town of Boston, where estranged half-sisters Chickie (Pompeo) and Doreen (Whitaker) are left alive after their wise father unexpectedly kicks the bucket.” “It’s a family drama about the struggle to survive. Their only legacy is a legacy of two-bit crime that drives them to increasingly daring deceptions. As the con men grow, so do the bonds between them.” Start filling the fatherly hole in the other person’s heart. ”
Doreen is also described as “nervous, sharp-witted, and wild as can be, she has done every job under the sun and is used to even less-than-legal side jobs. But beneath that gruff and wisecracking exterior, Doreen is a puppy, and all she really wants is to be seen by her older sister Chicks.”
Whittaker is best known for his role in the popular British drama “Broadchurch” and for playing the 13th Doctor in “Doctor Who.” She most recently appeared in the Netflix film Office Romance and the BBC limited series Dear England. Her other notable roles include the “Toxic Town” series, the “Black Mirror” series, and “Frauds.” She is currently filming season 6 of “Only Murders in the Building.”
She is repped by Independent Talent, Cognition, and CLD Communications.
Mr. Pompeo will star in the pilot alongside Laura Holstein under the “Calamity Jane” banner and will also serve as executive producer. Katie Robbins will write and executive produce the film, with 20th Television serving as the studio.
Hulu has been increasing its pilot orders recently, as many streamers have eschewed this practice in favor of direct-to-series orders. Current pilots include Ryan Coogler’s “The X-Files” reboot and “Southern Basterds,” both under the Onyx Collective brand. It was also recently announced that Cooper Hoffman will star in Hulu’s pilot, Durango.
Deadline first reported Whittaker’s casting.
