Rena Owen cast as Helen in The Deep TV show pilot at Freeform. (Photo: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com.)

Game of Thrones‘ Eline Powell and The Last Witch Hunter‘s Rena Owen have joined The Deep TV series pilot — scary predatory mermaid drama at Freeform. Per Deadline, Powell has been cast as Po. She’s described as, “a strange young woman who appears traumatized and lost.” As she gets sicker and it is revealed she is a mermaid. Owen is set as quirky curio shopkeeper, Helen, who is somehow connected to Po. Helen is reportedly “…an enigmatic person who views the town’s mermaid obsession with disdain.”

The show is set in the fictional town of Bristol Cove. Legend has it that it was once home to mermaids. The place is teeming with lore. The Deep is based on a story by EPs Eric Wald and Dean White. Scott Stewart is directing. Brad Luff and Nate Hopper are also executive producing. Emily Whitesell is showrunner. Production is scheduled to begin in Vancouver, in September.  

Here is how Freeform describes The Deep (from an earlier press release).

FREEFORM GREENLIGHTS NEW DRAMA PILOT ‘THE DEEP’

“’The Deep’ is a very different show than one would expect when they hear the word ‘mermaid’ – the mermaid tale has been reinvented in this pilot,” said [EVP Karey] Burke. “The writing is thrilling, stories complex and scary, and we are excited to explore the themes of obsession and violence through these amazing creatures.”

“The Deep” 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.

What do you think? Do you like the sound of The Deep TV show pilot? If Freeform orders The Deep to series, do you plan to watch?