Today ABC Family has announced that production has begun on Bella Thorne’s return to the Disney Family, as Famous in Love has begun work on their pilot.
Based on the novel by Rebecca Serle, “Famous in Love” stars Bella Thorne as Paige, an ordinary college student who gets her big break after auditioning for the starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster. She must now navigate her new star-studded life — and undeniable chemistry with her two co-leads — while uncovering the truth about what happened to a missing, famous popstar.
Joining Thorne is Carter Jenkins (“The Following”) as Rainer, the son of Hollywood royalty, who is one of Paige’s costars in the blockbuster movie. Jesse Henderson (“Finding Carter”) plays Jake, Paige’s best friend who becomes jealous when Paige starts hanging out with Rainer. Keith Powers (“Straight Outta Compton,” “Recovery Road”) will portray Jordan, a Hollywood bad boy, who stars with Rainer and Paige in the movie. He and Rainer have a complicated history, which is further heightened by the fact that both share chemistry with Paige. Niki Koss (“Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse”) stars as Alexis, one of Rainer’s old friends, who competes with Paige for the same role, and like most people on the show, has a secret. Georgie Flores (“CSI”) will play Cassandra, Paige’s roommate and close friend, who is straightforward and a good friend. Perrey Reeves (“Entourage”) will star as Nina, Rainer’s smart and cunning mother, who is half of one of Hollywood’s most powerful couples. Confident and manipulative, she does whatever it takes to make sure things go her son’s way. Pepi Sonuga joins the cast as Tangey, a beautiful pop star who mysteriously disappeared from the public eye, and previously involved with both Rainer and Jordan. Mark Valley (“Human Target”) will recur as Grant Devon, Rainer’s father, who is a major figure in Hollywood.
Written by I. Marlene King and Rebecca Serle, the pilot is executive produced by I. Marlene King (“Pretty Little Liars”), Miguel Arteta (“The Carrie Diaries”) and Dan Farah (“The Shannara Chronicles”). Miguel Arteta will also direct. Rebecca Serle is co-executive producer. “Famous in Love” is produced by Long Lake Media, Farah Films and Carmina Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Horizon Television.
Little Brown (publisher of Twilight) published the book and the sequel, Truly Madly Famously, was recently released.
ABC Family is becoming Freeform in January 2016.