Josh Hutcherson, Bryce Gangel (Crisis), Curtiss Cook (The Chi), and Darren Pettie (Sneaky Pete) are set as series regulars opposite Lena Headey in Showtime dramedy pilot Rita, based on Christian Torpe’s award-winning Danish series. Torpe will pen the pilot and serve as showrunner. Rita is a co-production of Showtime and Platform One Media.
In Rita, Headey will play the title character, a headstrong, unconventional teacher and single mother who takes on every kind of authority – as well as her family – in a messy and unfiltered way.
Hutcherson will play Ricco, Rita’s oldest son, a former bad boy who can do no wrong in her eyes. Gangel April, Ricco’s girlfriend, a psych major who enjoys the challenge of domesticating Ricco. Cook will portray Spencer, the sensitive and professional principal at the school where Rita teaches. Pettie is Tom, April’s father whose past relationship is unearthed in an unexpected way. Additionally, Betsy Brandt (Life in Pieces) will recur as June, the cultured and controlling mother of Ricco’s girlfriend April (Gangel).
Hutcherson will reprise his leading role in Future Man for Hulu this spring. His other recent credits include the independent feature film Burn. Hutcherson is repped by CAA, Ric Beddingfield Company and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
