EXCLUSIVE: Maisie Merlock (Departing Seniors), Gerardo Celasco (The Waterfront), and Cinthya Carmona (Pretty Smart) are the latest to join the cast of the HBO Max pilot American Blue.
The one-hour drama follows native son Brian “Milk” Milkosek (Milo Ventimiglia), who returns to his hometown of Joliet, IL, to rescue a beleaguered police force while seeking redemption of his own.
In a series regular role, Merlock will play Talia Milkosek, the daughter of Milk and Lori, who is emotionally bruised by her father’s absence in her childhood and is now expected to find space for her dad.
In guest star roles, Celasco will play Tony Corrado, a local Joliet politician posing a threat to Milk in more ways than one, and Carmona will play Jenny, a single mother in a failing relationship with a JPD Detective, protective of her son in the wake of her boyfriend’s inability to separate from the job.
They join the previously announced series regulars Kelly Jenrette as Meg Jackson, Carlito Olivero as Mike Ortiz, Onye Eme-Akwari as Darryl Andrews, Jess Gabor as Suze Dombrowski and Eddie Kaye Thomas as Sergeant Paul “PJ” Booker. Additional leads include Paulina Olszynski as Lisa “Matty” Matichak, Algee Smith as Andre Quick, Jeremy Bobb as Joe Bebar, Rich Sommer as Ray Kaluza, Jesse Garcia as Kevin Martinez, Wrenn Schmidt as Milk’s ex-wife Lori Gillespie, and Ellyn Jameson as Erin “Oz” Ostrowski, a fast-rising JPD tactical officer.
We exclusively announced the project was in the works back in January. The HBO Max cop drama hails from Jeremy Carver (Supernatural) and Warner Bros Television, where Carver is under an overall deal. David Ayer will direct the pilot.
Carver writes and executive produces alongside Brian Udovich, Neil Reynolds and Ayer. Ventimiglia co-executive produces, and his longtime producing partner Russ Cundiff will produce. Warner Bros Television is the studio for the pilot.
Merlock is repped by DDO Artists Agency; Celasco is repped by Gersh, Entertainment 360, and GGSS&C; and Carmona is repped by 42MP and CESD.