AceShowbiz - Laura Dern, the Oscar-winning actress, is set to lead a new television series that delves into the investigation uncovering the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She will portray Miami Herald investigative reporter Julie K. Brown in this untitled project from Sony Pictures TV, which is based on Brown's book Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story.

The series will be penned by Sharon Hoffman, known for her work on The Morning Show, who will also act as co-showrunner alongside Eileen Myers, recognized for The Night Agent. At this stage, no network or streaming platform has been attached to the project.

The story promises to be “an explosive account” of Brown’s groundbreaking investigative journalism, which revealed the secret plea deal between Epstein and federal prosecutors. It will follow Brown’s persistent, years-long efforts that identified 80 victims, encouraged survivors to come forward publicly, and ultimately led to the arrests of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Laura Dern has previously earned an Emmy for her role alongside Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon in HBO’s Big Little Lies, a series that is reportedly considering a third season. She also recently starred in Apple TV’s now-canceled Palm Royale and led the HBO dramedy Enlightened. On the film side, Dern won an Oscar in 2020 for Marriage Story and has notable roles in iconic films such as Jurassic Park and Blue Velvet.

In other casting developments, HBO’s acclaimed series The White Lotus is expanding its Season 4 lineup with the addition of Heather Graham, famous for Californication. The upcoming season is set in France, and other new cast members include Rosie Perez (The Flight Attendant), Ben Schnetzer (The Madison), Tobias Santelmann (The Last Kingdom), Frida Gustavsson (Vikings: Valhalla), and Laura Smet (Fauda). Character details for Heather Graham’s role have not yet been disclosed.

Adding to the news, Sean Hayes, known for Will & Grace, has been cast in Season 5 of Apple TV’s The Morning Show. Hayes will play Wyatt, the quick-witted older brother and manager of Boyd Holbrook’s character.

Peter Alexander, who recently left his position as NBC News’ Today weekend co-host and chief White House correspondent, will join MS NOW as the anchor for the weekday 11 a.m. slot and chief national reporter, according to Variety.

Stellan Skarsgard, who appeared in Andor, is set to star alongside Dakota Fanning in her untitled Apple TV thriller series. Skarsgard will play Brandt, the head of an international conglomerate that Fanning’s undercover Treasury agent character seeks to infiltrate.

On the streaming front, Paramount+’s Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch has cast Berto Colón (The Penguin) as cowboy Miguel and Hart Denton (Riverdale) as rival ranch hand Chet.

Finally, the prequel series to The Boys, titled Vought Rising, has added James Wolk (Mad Men) in a recurring role, along with Dylan Arnold (YOU), Josh Randall (Station 19), and Chad Willett (Big Sky), as reported by Deadline.