Janet Montgomery to topline WGN America’s Salem

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

There's much witchery afoot lately, thanks in no small part to the success of FX's "American Horror Story: Coven", but months before the hit series began airing we had heard that another witch-themed series was headed our way in the form of WGN America's first scripted series "Salem", from Brannon Braga ("24", "Star Trek: TNG", "Terra Nova") and Adam Simon (THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT), which will go straight to series with 13 episodes.

Back in August we learned that "Salem" had tapped Richard Shepard to direct as well as executive produce the series, and today we have conjured up some casting news.

Deadline is reporting that "Entourage" and WRONG TURN 3 actress Janet Montgomery has been tapped for the lead in "Salem", portraying the role of Mary Sibley, 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. Also joining the series, set to premiere next spring, is "Nikita" alum Xander Berkeley in the regular role of Magistrate Hale, one of the Salem’s Selectmen, a company man who believes in pomp and circumstance.

"Salem" is set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts and explores what really fueled the town's infamous witch trials. The series will look to uncover the dark, supernatural truth hiding behind the veil of this infamous period in American history. The witches featured are real, but they are not who or what they seem. What’s more, the drama, which centers on an epic romance wrapped around this explosive revelation, delivers a bold new vision of Salem — and an even bolder new vision of witches.

Production is currently set to begin this fall in Louisiana and is aiming for a premiere on WGN in 2014. More on this as we get it!