“The Spook Who Sat by the Door” pilot at FX has rounded out its main cast with four new additions.
Lucas Till, Nafessa Williams, Nathan Darrow and Tom Irwin have all joined the drama pilot alongside previously announced leads Y’lan Noel and Christina Jackson.
The story follows Dan Freeman (Noel), the fictional first African American CIA officer hired by the agency in the late 1960s. The story chronicles the quest of Freeman, who was recruited as part of an affirmative-action program. After a very competitive selection process he trains in high-level combat and espionage. However, following this arduous training, this model recruit is rewarded with a post in the reprographics (aka photocopying) department, “left by the door” as a token of the CIA’s “racial equality.” Jackson will star as his wife, Joy Freeman.
Till is set for the role of CIA agent Graham Renfroe. He most recently starred in the CBS reboot of “MacGyver,” which recently concluded after five seasons. He is also know for his roles in features such as “Son of the South” and three entries in the “X-Men” franchise.
He is repped by APA, Tom Sullivan and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
Williams will play high-class working girl Etta Henry. She previously starred in the CW series “Black Lightning,” which recently ended after four seasons. In the show she played Thunder, the first Black lesbian superhero to ever appear on television. She is also known for roles on the shows “Code Black” and the Showtime revival of “Twin Peaks” as well as features like “Burning Sands” and “Black & Blue.”
She is repped by ICM and Link Entertainment.
Darrow will appear as CIA Assistant Director Alfred Ames. Darrow is perhaps best known for playing Meechum in the Netflix series “House of Cards.” He is also known for his roles on “Billions” and “Gotham” as well as the HBO film “Wizard of Lies.” Other TV credits include “Rectify” and “Preacher.”
He is repped by Suskin Management and HCKR.
Irwin will play political operative CIA Director Jack Turner. Irwin just wrapped on “The Morning Show” Season 2 at Apple and was recently seen in the feature “On the Basis of Sex.” He is known for TV roles like “Devious Maids,” “Saving Grace,” and “My So-Called Life.”
He is repped by Framework Entertainment and Buchwald.
The pilot is based on the Sam Greenlee novel of the same name, which was previously adapted into a film in 1973. The pilot will be written by Leigh Dana Jackson, who will also serve as executive producer and showrunner. Lee Daniels and Marc Velez will also executive produce on behalf of Lee Daniels Entertainment. The book was originally optioned through the Daniels’ Inclusion Fund. Gerard McMurray will direct the pilot in addition to executive producing. 20th Television will produce.