Paramount+ has announced that principal photography has kicked off in Vancouver for its upcoming Grease prequel series, Grease: The Rise of the Pink Ladies.
The ViacomCBS streaming service also announced ten series regulars. The series will star Marisa Davila as Jane, Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia, Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy, Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally and Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee.
Here’s the logline: The musical series takes place four years before the original “Grease”; in 1954 before rock ‘n’ roll ruled, before the T-Birds were the coolest in the school, four fed-up, outcasts dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral panic that will change Rydell High forever.
The 10-episode first season will launch on Paramount+ later this year.
It was previously in development at HBO Max as Rydell High before moving to Paramount+.
“We are thrilled to unveil our new original series that will introduce an incredible cast of young stars in the making and electrifying musical numbers you will fall in love with,” said Nicole Clemens, President, Paramount Television Studios & Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “Annabel and Alethea have managed to brilliantly capture the spirit of the iconic beloved classic film which like Rise of the Pink Ladies, is both set in the past but relevant to the present.”
The series is written and executive produced by creator Annabel Oakes, who also serves as showrunner. Marty Bowen will executive produce for Temple Hill, Adam Fishbach will also executive produce, and Alethea Jones will direct the pilot plus two more episodes and will executive produce.
Erik Feig and Samie Kim Falvey will executive produce via PICTURESTART, and it’s produced by Grace Gilroy. Choreography is by Jamal Sims and music is from executive music producer Justin Tranter.
