Jessica Frances Dukes (Ozark) joins Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) in six-episode limited series from creator and showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully)
Earth Abides begins production in Vancouver on April 8 and will debut on MGM+ in late 2024
Download book art and headshot here
LOS ANGELES—April 8, 2024— Premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ announced today new casting for Earth Abides, a six-episode limited series that will offer a wildly imaginative new take on George R. Stewart’s classic sci-fi novel of the same name. Jessica Frances Dukes (Ozark) has been cast as “Emma.” She joins Alexander Ludwig (Vikings), who stars as “Ish.” Created by showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully), the series comes from MGM+ Studios and executive producers Kearie Peak and Lighthouse Productions’ Michael Phillips and Juliana Maio. Earth Abides begins production today and is slated to premiere on MGM+ in late 2024.
When a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out. In the aftermath, as the great machine of civilization slowly and inexorably breaks down, only a few shattered survivors remain to struggle against the slide into extinction.
The character of “Emma,” played by Dukes, is the polar opposite of the man she encounters and will share her future with. Fearless, and fearsome, in body and mind, she is the heartbeat of the new world they set out to build. Loss has taught her two things: that life and pain are forever intertwined and, in the end, we are not defined by what we have acquired but rather by what we have given away. Her character is the earth mother at the core of civilization’s second chance.
The series is based on the novel by George R. Stewart, which is published by Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Oscar®-winner Michael Phillips (The Sting), along with Juliana Maio and Kearie Peak, serve as executive producers. Komarnicki serves as writer and showrunner. Additional writers include Karen Janszen, Tony Spiridakis, Evan Hart, and Kyle Stephen. Bronwen Hughes is directing the pilot and Episode Two. Rachel Leiterman will direct Episodes Three and Four, and Stephen Campanelli will direct Episodes Five and Six.
Jessica Frances Dukes – “Emma”
Jessica Frances Dukes has been acclaimed for her multi-season series regular role on Ozark (Netflix), with The New York Times calling her performance “divine.” She can also be seen starring in Project Greenlight
and Gray Matter, both feature films on Max, as well as in a supporting role in the Paramount feature Organ Trail. She made her Broadway debut at the Roundabout in Trouble in Mind and has graced Off Broadway and regional stages all over the country. Most recently, she starred in The Refuge Plays at both the Roundabout and the New York Theatre Workshop. She won an Audelco Award and was nominated for a Drama League Award for playing the title role in Lynn Nottage’s By the Way, Meet Vera Stark at the Signature Theatre. She also won an Obie Award for Robert O’Hara’s Bootycandy at Playwrights Horizons. She previously recurred on Marvel’s Jessica Jones (Netflix) and guested on CBS’ The Good Wife and the NBC series New Amsterdam and NCIS: New Orleans.
Jessica Frances Dukes is represented by Schachter Entertainment, Innovative Artists, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin, & Dunham
The rights to the book Earth Abides are represented by David Wienir and Matthew Spindler at HarperCollins Publishers.
About Lighthouse Productions
Lighthouse Productions is a film and television company founded by Michael Phillips (Oscar-winning producer) and Juliana Maio (Best-selling author and producer). Their new production of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead will be released in theatres this April.
About MGM+
MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a
broad lineup of exclusive original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid, the anticipated new series Hotel Cocaine and Emperor of Ocean Park, the limited series A Spy Among Friends, and cinematic dramatic series Rogue Heroes, War of the Worlds, and Beacon 23. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including the critically acclaimed In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, and NFL Icons,. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, Beekeeper, Boys in the Boat, American Fiction and Mean Girls 2.
MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, digital distribution channels and the MGM+ app. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
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