TVLand switches things up with Heathers series, casting a male Heather

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

TVLand's upcoming anthology series Heathers, based on the classic dark high school comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, has attracted a lot of criticism for just being another pointless TV remake. However, TVLand is at least trying something different, as it casts its three Heathers, the high school bullies that dominate the film.

The three new cast members are Melanie Field, Jasmine Matthews, and… Brendan Scannell? That's right, one of our Heathers will be played by a dude! That certainly doesn't mean the show will be any good, but at least it's an interesting move. My curiosity is piqued.

Broadway vet Melanie Field (Wicked, Evita) will play Heather Chandler, the ruthless leader originally payed by Kim Walker.

Newcomer Jasmine Matthews will play Heather McNamara, Lisanne Falk's shyer, quieter Heather with a heart of gold.

Finally, comedian Scannell will be playing Heather Duke,  Shannen Doherty's second-in-command. Presumably, his last name will be Heather or something, or else the whole conceit goes out the window. Actually, Duke Heather's a pretty solid name. He sounds like he could be a cowboy or something.

Reimagined as an anthology, Heathers will be set in the present day, as our heroine deals with a very different but equally vicious group of Heathers.

The pilot will shoot this Fall under the direction of Leslye Headland. Already cast as J.D. and Veronica are James Scully and Grace Victoria Cox.