Following the character’s introduction in an episode during Nancy Drew‘s most recent season, The CW has made a straight-to-series order on a Tom Swift series — Shadow and Act has confirmed. The series will see Tian Richards reprise the role.

This series order marks a rare occasion in which a Black gay man will be the lead/titular character on a major network series. Tom Swift is based on the book series and will be the start of building a ‘Drew-niverse,’ spawned by Nancy Drew.

It “follows the serialized adventures of its titular Black, gay, billionaire inventor who is thrust into a world of sci-fi conspiracy and unexplained phenomena after the shocking disappearance of his father. Tom takes to the road on a quest to unravel the truth, leaving behind the comforts of his usual moneyed lifestyle, all while fighting to stay one step ahead of an Illuminati-scale group hell-bent on stopping him. Tom’s missions will require his genius and flair for innovation guided by love, romance, friendship and the mysteries of the universe yet-unsolved”

The series is co-created Melinda Hsu Taylor, Noga Landau and Cameron Johnson who also serve as executive producers along with Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage and Lis Rowinski.

Richards has also been seen in the films Burden and Dumplin’. He’s also appeared on Being Mary Jane and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Tom Swift is a CBS Studios in association with Fake Empire.

Tian Richards

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