CW castings feature Hartley, Garcia, Milligan
Justin Hartley and Joanna Garcia just scored leading roles in two series pilots to be filmed in April for The CW. Both actors have been high-profile network favorites, Justin appearing as Oliver Queen on Smallville and Joanna co-starring as ditzy daughter Cheyenne on Reba. Now, Justin’s attire will include the green scrubs of a hospital emergency room, with the 31-year-old blonde the first cast member selected for Simon Fuller’s real-time medical drama, Austin Golden Hour. (I wouldn’t be shocked if that title changes.) “Doc Hartley” probably lays to rest any thoughts of a Green Arrow spinoff for this fall. Joanna made comedy look easy as a clueless teenage cheerleader-turned-mother. In a role-reversal, she’ll play a Yale-educated life coach trying to steer two heiresses down the proper paths in How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls. Lucy Hale (Bionic Woman) and Ashley Newbrough (The Best Years) are her charges—with looks and attitude to spare. These two shows will compete for a place on The CW’s 2008-09 lineup, which will be unveiled May 15.
UPDATE! Dustin Milligan is the first actor to be cast in the Beverly Hills, 90210 spinoff. CW fans will recall him as the brooding teenage son from last season’s drama, Runaway. Dustin will play “Ethan,” a popular star athlete in the new series pilot from writer/producer Rob Thomas.
