Sarah Michelle Gellarhas lined up her next TV role, and it’s set in a story that book lovers may be familiar with. According to Deadline, theCruel Intentionsactress has been tapped to star in and executive produceBad Summer People, a small-screen adaptation of Emma Rosenblum’s bestselling debut novel, which has previously drawn comparisons to the critically acclaimed HBO showThe White Lotus.That series, created by Mike White, has enjoyed significant success during past award seasons (including12 nominations at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards).
In the same way thatThe White Lotusfocuses ona bunch of privileged peopleon a swanky vacation,Bad Summer Peoplecenters around a group of wealthy characters on holiday in the fictional haven of Salcombe, Fire Island – but things take a decidedly dark turn when a body is discovered off the side of the boardwalk, revealing a web of life-shattering secrets, outrageous scandals, and lifelong grudges. At this stage, it’s unclear which role Gellar will be playing in the beachy summer thriller, but it seems likely she will take on one of the central roles of either Jen Weinstein or Lauren Parker.
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Cara DiPaolo (No Good Deed) is penning the script for the TV version ofBad Summer Peopleand is also executive producing alongside Riva Marker, Deanna Barillari, and JoAnne Colonna. The series will be produced by Linden Productions (Family Switch) and A+E Studios (The Lincoln Lawyer). Tana Jamieson, the Co-Head of Creative Affairs at A+E, expressed her enthusiasm for the project and the “premium storytelling” that will be showcased throughout the episodes when they eventually make it to air. She said of the upcoming adaptation:
“Bad Summer Peopleis a deliciously sharp and addictive series. Emma’s novel practically leapt off the page, and in Cara’s hands — alongside a dream team of producers at Linden and the iconic Sarah Michelle Gellar — it becomes something even more unforgettable. This is the kind of bold, premium storytelling we’re proud to champion at A+E Studios.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar Is No Stranger to Leading Roles
While Gellar’s role inBad Summer Peopleis undisclosed, and it’s not known at this time who else will be joining her in the cast, Gellar has seen a major upturn in leading TV roles in recent years. She may be most commonly known for her title role in the long-running seriesBuffy the Vampire Slayer– which she isreprising in the upcoming Hulu reboot– but she has also headlined The CW’sRinger, CBS’sThe Crazy Ones, and Paramount+‘sWolf Pack,in addition to starring in a recurring role as CSI chief Tanya Martin on the Showtime drama seriesDexter: Original Sin.
In contrast, Gellar’s last major movie roles were inPossessionandVeronika Decidesto Die, both released in 2009, though before that, she famously fronted the likes ofI Know What You Did Last Summer,Cruel Intentions, andThe Grudge. However, Gellar took a break from acting for a significant time, shortly after the death of Robin Williams, her then co-star onThe Crazy Ones, as she wanted to be present for her children’s formative years.Her return to the screencame in 2022 with a small but vital role in the Netflix thrillerDo Revenge,and then there was no stopping her. It’s safe to say she’s back and bigger than ever.
Source:Deadline
Sarah Michelle Gellar
