Scott Speedman’s intriguing new ABC crime drama continues to grow, with anI May Destroy Youstar joining the cast. ABC has had good fortune by blending crime and drama recently, evidenced by thesuccess ofHigh PotentialandWill Trent. It will be looking to continue that trend withRJ Decker, which will be led by Speedman.
RJ Deckeris currently in the pilot stage. But if it gets picked up, Speedman will still be able to continue his role as Dr. Nick Marsh forGrey’s Anatomyseason 22. Still, the new project could see one of TV’s most reliable love interests step into a long-term leading role.
Deadlinereports thatI May Destroy You’s Weruche Opia has joined theRJ Deckerpilot. She’ll play Shay Bennett, the shrewd and unpredictable daughter of a powerful and corrupt state senator who has ties to the titular Decker, played by Speedman. If the pilot is picked up, Opia is poised to be a series regular.
What This Means For RJ Decker
It’s Based On A Novel
RJ Deckerfocuses on as he begins anew as a private investigator in South Florida. Attempting to move on from being a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con, hetakes on cases that range from odd to outright bizarre. Decker has the help of a journalist who is also his ex, a police detective, and a shadowy woman from his past who could send him back to prison.
Opia played Terry, a struggling actor and the main character’s best friend, inMichaela Coel’s acclaimed HBO miniseriesI May Destroy You.
Based on the synopsis, there are several more key castings to come inRJ Decker. Opia is a big part of the process, though.It marks the first American network series for the performer, with her other credits includingGenius: MLK/X,Top Boy,Suspects,Inside No. 9,and the Apple TV+ limited seriesHigh Desertopposite Patricia Arquette.
RJ Decker, which hails fromElementarycreator Rob Doherty, is based on Carl Hiaasen’sDouble Whammynovel. 20th Television is the studio behind the project, with Doherty as executive producer of the pilot alongside Paul McGuigan, who will direct. Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman, of Timberman-Beverly Productions, and Hiaasen are also executive producers.
Our Take On RJ Decker’s Chances
It’s Looking Good
Although it’s too early to be definitive, ABC has seemed to find a tone that works for crime dramas. Not too dark, but still distinct and sharp where it needs to be. With two actors already on board, it’s a sign of optimism that the next iteration of the crime drama subgenre at the network will catch on.
