In a recent announcement, it has been revealed that Giancarlo Esposito will be taking over the male lead role in Netflix's Shondaland drama, The Residence. This decision comes after the unfortunate passing of Andre Braugher, who was initially cast as the male lead last February. Braugher, known for his outstanding performances, tragically lost his battle with lung cancer on December 11.
Production on The Residence had already begun before it was temporarily halted due to the dual strikes in Hollywood. Fortunately, Braugher had completed filming a significant portion of his scenes on the series. However, with Esposito stepping into the role, the already filmed scenes will now be reshot. Showrunner Paul William Davies, known for his work on Scandal, has been overseeing the production and is determined to deliver a compelling show despite the unexpected change.
The Residence is a riveting murder-mystery set in the White House, combining elements of screwball comedy with a thrilling whodunit plot. With a total of 132 rooms and 157 suspects, the story follows a peculiar detective as he navigates the intricate web of relationships and secrets within the most famous mansion in the world. The series takes inspiration from Kate Andersen Brower's book, The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, to craft a captivating and original narrative.
Joining Esposito in the cast are talented actors such as Uzo Aduba, Susan Kelechi Watson, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Mary Wiseman. Additionally, the series will feature guest appearances from Al Franken as a senator, Andrew Friedman as the director of the national park police, and Julian McMahon as the prime minister of Australia.
The Residence is a joint venture between Shondaland and Netflix, as part of their overall deal. Davies, who previously worked with Shondaland on shows like Scandal and For the People, serves as the showrunner and executive producer alongside the renowned Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers from Shondaland. This collaboration between Shondaland and Netflix aims to deliver an eight-episode series that promises to captivate audiences with its intriguing plot and stellar performances.
Giancarlo Esposito, known for his remarkable roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, expressed his excitement and honor to be stepping into The Residence in honor of Andre Braugher. Esposito previously followed Braugher on Homicide: Life on the Street during its final season, making this casting decision even more meaningful for him. In a statement, Esposito highlighted his admiration and respect for Braugher and expressed his gratitude to be given the opportunity to contribute to his legacy alongside the talented team behind The Residence.
As fans eagerly await the release of The Residence, it is evident that this project holds great significance for all those involved. With its unique blend of mystery, comedy, and stellar casting choices, this Shondaland drama promises to be an enthralling addition to Netflix's diverse lineup of original content.
