Jodie Whittaker has officially joined the cast of Chicks, an upcoming dramedy pilot currently in development at Hulu. The project pairs the Jodie Whittaker with Ellen Pompeo, who is also serving as an executive producer on the series. The show is written and executive produced by Katie Robbins, known for her work on the limited series Good American Family.
Set against the backdrop of rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods in old Boston, the series follows two estranged half-sisters, Chickie and Doreen. After their father, a local wise guy, passes away unexpectedly, the sisters are left with a complicated inheritance of small-time criminal activities. This legacy leads them to engage in a series of increasingly audacious frauds as they attempt to navigate their strained relationship and fill the void left by their father.
Character Dynamics and Production Details
Whittaker is set to portray Doreen, described as a scrappy and wired character who has held various jobs and is familiar with illicit side hustles. Despite her tough and wise-cracking exterior, Doreen is portrayed as someone deeply seeking validation and connection from her older sister, Chickie, played by Pompeo. The dynamic between the two leads is expected to serve as the emotional core of the dramedy as their bond evolves through their shared criminal endeavors.
The development of Chicks originated from an idea by Robbins, who tailored the concept specifically for Pompeo following their collaboration on the Hulu limited series Good American Family. In addition to Robbins and Pompeo, Laura Holstein is also attached as an executive producer through their Calamity Jane banner. Production for the pilot is currently scheduled to begin in New York this September.
Why This Casting Matters
The pairing of Whittaker and Pompeo brings together two highly recognizable television stars, which naturally elevates the profile of this new Hulu project. For fans of Whittaker, seeing her transition into a gritty, comedic role following her tenure in science fiction is a notable shift. The focus on a two-hander dramedy centered on complex sisterhood and crime suggests a character-driven narrative that could distinguish the show within the current streaming landscape.
For more information on the project, you can view the original report via Deadline.
Source: GeekTyrant
