Elizabeth Banks Apple comedy adds Linklater, Buteau and Liu
Hamish Linklater, Michelle Buteau, and Simu Liu have joined the untitled Apple TV half-hour comedy starring Elizabeth Banks in recurring roles. They play Heidi's ex-husband Evan, ad executive Melissa, and Dr. Zhou, respectively, alongside Ted Danson, Katey Sagal, and others. Filming starts in Los Angeles later this year.
Key Takeaways
- Linklater, Buteau, and Liu join the Elizabeth Banks-led Apple TV comedy in recurring roles.
- The trio play Evan (Heidi's ex), Melissa (an ad executive), and Dr. Zhou (Heidi's son's doctor).
- Series regulars already include Ted Danson, Katey Sagal, Rob Delaney, Jared Goldstein, and Spencer Moss.
- Liz Heldens and Matt Ward created the untitled half-hour; production shoots in Los Angeles later this year.
The casting news, first reported by Deadline, expands an already starry ensemble for Apple's next half-hour comedy. For more entertainment and market-adjacent buzz on BlasterPost, browse our Fintech & Crypto Alerts desk.
Who just joined the Elizabeth Banks Apple comedy?
Hamish Linklater (Widow's Bay, Manhunt), Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest), and Simu Liu (Shang-Chi, Barbie) are set for recurring turns. They round out a cast that already featured Ted Danson, Katey Sagal, Rob Delaney, Jared Goldstein, and Spencer Moss.
Linklater will play Evan, Heidi's ex-husband. Buteau portrays Melissa, described as a talented ad executive. Liu is cast as Dr. Zhou, a doctor who treats Heidi's son.
What is the untitled Apple TV series about?
From creators Liz Heldens and Matt Ward, the as-yet-untitled series follows Heidi (Banks). She is fresh off a messy divorce and aims to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids.
When she stumbles into coordinating her father's (Danson) retirement community sexcapades, Heidi is forced into an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend's perpetually single son. The half-hour comedy will shoot in Los Angeles later this year.
Who is producing and directing the Elizabeth Banks series?
20th Television is producing the show for Apple TV. Heldens and Ward will showrun and executive produce. Banks executive produces with Max Handelman and Krissy Wall through Brownstone Productions.
Jonathan Krisel will direct the pilot and executive produce. Quinn Haberman executive produces with Heldens for Selfish Mermaid. Jason Winer and Jon Radler executive produce for Small Dog Picture Company.
With Linklater, Buteau, and Liu locked in, the series now has clearer supporting faces around Banks and Danson as cameras prepare to roll. Expect more title and premiere details as production moves ahead in Los Angeles this year.