The CW spin-off from Nancy Drew has found its lead. Actor Tian Richards (Mary Jane, Dumplin) was cast in the title role by Tom Swift.
Based on the classic book series of the same name, Tom Swift is part of the network plan to establish an expanded “Drew Universe” and will debut Nancy Drew as a backdoor pilot in the coming season.
At the center of the CW series is the title Tom Swift, a gay black billionaire who is thrown into the world of science fiction conspiracy and unexplained phenomena after his father’s shocking disappearance. As Tom goes on a quest for the truth, he will fight to stay one step ahead of a group of Illuminati who are desperate to stop him. The CW’s casting is different from the book that features a straight, white, blonde Tom.
In Nancy Drew, Tom will cross with Nancy on one of their investigations that will lead to very different conclusions about the case – with Nancy being supernatural and Tom more paranormal.
Tian Richards, represented by APA, Stride Management, and Goodman Genow, recently appeared in the film Burden 2018 alongside Forest Whittaker. His other credits include “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and “A Bad Mom’s Christmas”.
If Tom Swift is inducted into the series, he will hail from Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savages Fake Empire and is co-created, written, and executive produced by Nancy Drews Melinda Hsu Taylor and Noga Landau along with Empire’s Cameron Johnson. Schwartz, Savage and Lis Rowinski will also serve as executive producers.