Back in June, WGN America announced that it was jumping into scripted original dramas with “Salem,” a supernatural period piece set in 17th Century Massachusetts. And now the project has lined up its first leading lady.
Deadline is reporting that Janet Montgomery has been as Mary Sibley, the leading role of “Salem.” Mary is described as “ the beautiful, ruthless and vulnerable at the same time wife of the ancient, ailing but very wealthy George Sibley, one of the Salem town Selectmen.”
The premise of “Salem” is that the show will “deliver a new vision of witches who are real though they are not who or what they seem” while exploring “the dark, supernatural truth” behind the infamous Salem witch trials.
Montgomery recently headlined another supernatural themed period drama, “Gothica” at ABC. However, she is best known for starring in CBS’ “Made In Jersey,” the second season of “Human Target” on Fox and her recurring role on HBO’s “Entourage.” Montgomery also appeared in Black Swan and Our Idiot Brother.
“24” and “Nikita” veteran, Xander Berkeley is also joining the cast of “Salem” as Magistrate Hale, one of Salem’s Selectmen.
“Salem” originated as a pitch at FX created by Brannon Braga (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and Adam Simon before it migrated to WGN and received a 13 episode straight-to-series order. Richard Shepard will direct the pilot episode and executive produce the series alongside Braga and Simon.
Although no release date has been announced, “Salem” is expected to premiere on WGN in Spring 2014.
