Alex Roe to star in The Deep TV series pilot for Freeform. Production has begun. (Photo: Ga Fullner / Shutterstock.com)

Production has begun in Vancouver on The Deep TV show pilot for Freeform, and the cast is set. Alex Roe stars as marine biologist, Ben, opposite Eline Powell’s Ryn, a mysterious new girl in the town of Bristol Cove. Fola Evans-Akingbola will play Ben’s co-worker Maddie, who is suspicious of the newcomer.

Ian Verdun is set as Xander, a deep sea fisherman searching for the truth. Rena Owen is the eccentric Helen. She may know more about the mermaids than she admits. The Deep is based on a story by Eric Wald and Dean White. Wald wrote the pilot teleplay and executive produces with White. Scott Stewart is directing. Showrunner Emily Whitesell is also executive producing, as are Brad Luff, Nate Hopper, and RD Robb.

Learn more from this Freeform press release.

Freeform Begins Production on Original Drama Pilot ‘The Deep’ (Working Title)

FREEFORM BEGINS PRODUCTION ON ORIGINAL DRAMA PILOT

‘THE DEEP’ (WORKING TITLE)

Cast is Set with Alex Roe (‘The 5^th Wave’) and Eline Powell (‘Game of Thrones’) to Star

Production began this week in Vancouver on Freeform’s latest drama pilot “The Deep” (working title). The series is a one-hour drama that takes us inside Bristol Cove, a coastal town known for its legend of once being home to mermaids. When the arrival of a mysterious girl proves this folklore all too true, the battle between man and sea takes a very vicious turn, as these predatory beings return to reclaim their right to the ocean.

“The Deep” (working title) stars Alex Roe (“The 5^th Wave”) as Ben, a bright marine biologist who finds himself drawn to a mysterious new girl in town, Ryn, played by Eline Powell (“Game of Thrones”), who is a strange young woman with a deep dark secret. Fola Evans-Akingbola (“An American Exorcism”) stars as Maddie, also a marine biologist who works with Ben and is highly suspicious of Ryn. Ian Verdun (“Life’s a Drag”) stars as Xander, a deep sea fisherman on a quest to uncover the truth; and Rena Owen (“Star Wars” Episodes II and III) as Helen, the town eccentric who seems to know more about the mermaids than she lets on.

Based on a story by Eric Wald and Dean White, Wald wrote the pilot teleplay and both he and White serve as executive producers. Scott Stewart (“Dominion”) is directing. Emily Whitesell (“Finding Carter”) is on board as showrunner and executive producer. Brad Luff, Nate Hopper and RD Robb are also attached as executive producers.

About Freeform

Part of the Disney|ABC Television Group, Freeform is distributed in 94 million homes. The network connects to audiences and goes beyond entertainment with bold original programming and immersive social engagement. The network delivers a unique mix of quality original and acquired series, plus fan favorite movies and the holiday events “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” The Freeform app is a service that allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on-demand access via a wide array of devices.

What do you think? How do you like The Deep TV series pilot cast? If Freeform orders the drama, will you check it out?