Freeform begins production on 'Motherland' pilot, casts Taylor Hickson, Amalia Holm, Jessica Sutton as series regulars
Freeform's 'Motherland' (working title) pilot, a one-hour drama from executive producers Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick, has begun principal photography. The pilot, created by Eliot Laurence (Claws), has started in Vancouver, Canada. Even the casting has been done and Taylor Hickson, Amalia Holm, Kelcey Mawema, Jessica Sutton and Demetria McKinney have been cast as series regulars.
Set in an alternate America where witches ended their persecution 300 years ago by cutting a deal with the US government to fight for their country, 'Motherland' (working title) follows three young women from basic training in combat magic into early deployment at Fort Salem. In this world, the traditional roles of gender and power are flipped with the more dominant women on the front lines fighting looming terrorist threats that are familiar to our world, but with supernatural tactics and weapons.
Hickson of 'Deadpool' fame portrays Raelle, a reluctant recruit with major authority issues, whose mother recently died in the line of duty. Kelcey ('To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before') portrays Abigail, an unquestionably alpha, smart, driven and a courageous witch who hails from the upper echelons of military witch society and is excited to be joining the ranks of the witches' army. Sutton portrays Tally, a kind, strong-willed and curious witch who enlisted despite her mother’s passionate disapproval while Alena actress Amalia rounds out the young witch recruits, playing Scylla, a playful yet dark and mischievous recruit who is not what she appears to be.
Also joining the ranks is Demetria McKinney (“Tyler Perry's House of Payne”) who plays Anacostia, an articulate, tough, wryly humorous staff sergeant whose chief concern is keeping the young recruits alive through basic training.
Motherland is written and created by Eliot Laurence and produced by Freeform Studios and Gary Sanchez Productions. The pilot is directed by Steven A. Adelson ('Riverdale', 'Siren').