NBC’s “Cruel Intentions” pilot has added Taylor Zakhar to the cast, TheWrap has learned exclusively.
The pilot picks up over 15 years after the conclusion of the movie, an adaptation of French novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. It follows Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar, reprising her role) as she vies for control of Valmont International as well as the soul of Bash Casey, the son of her stepbrother, the late Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) and Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon).
Upon discovering his late father’s legacy in a hidden journal, Bash is introduced to a world of sex, money, power and corruption he never could have imagined.
NBC bought the script in October with a commitment plus a penalty from the film’s original director and writer Roger Kumble. He will also direct the pilot in addition to co-writing with Lindsey Rosin and Jordan Ross, best known for staging the musical version of “Cruel Intentions” in Los Angeles last summer.
Zakhar has been cast in the guest role of Jay, a recently-out hard partier and Cassidy’s ex-boyfriend, who tries to convince Bash to join his team. Should the pilot get picked up to series, Zakhar’s character has the potential to recur in multiple episodes.
Zakhar’s recent TV credits include “Code Black,” “Young and Hungry” and “Awkward.” He is represented by Luber Roklin Entertainment and Talentworks Agency.
Besides Gellar and Zakhar, “Cruel Intentions” has cast Kate Levering, Taylor John Smith (American Crime), Samantha Logan, Sophina Brown and Nathalie Kelley.