Whoopi Goldberg is taking a stand! The actress has been cast alongside Jovan Adepo, Owen Teague, Brad William Henke, & Daniel Sunjata in The Stand, an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel at CBS All Access. They join previously announced cast members James Marsden, Amber Heard, Odessa Young, and Henry Zaga.
The Stand is King’s apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil. The fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail (Goldberg) and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man. Writing duties have been given to Josh Boone and Ben Cavell.
Adepo will play Larry Underwood, a young musician with a taste for fame, as well as illegal substances. When the plague hits, he is forced to confront his demons as he makes his way to the new world. Teague will portray Harold Lauder. After the superflu ravages his town, Harold goes in search of others with fellow survivor Frannie Goldsmith. While his intentions are good, jealousy and his infatuation with Frannie threaten to lead him down a dark path.
Henke will portray Tom Cullen, Nick Andros’ traveling companion who is developmentally disabled due to a terrible fall as a child. A sweet soul, he will be instrumental in their fight for survival. Sunjata will play Cobb, a member of the military tasked with supervising Stu Redman as the government searches for a cure during the outbreak of the superflu.
Stephen King will write the last chapter of the series, providing a new coda that isn’t found in the book. Writer Josh Boone will also be directing the series as well as serving as executive producer with Ben Cavell.
