Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer creator Kevin Williamson has a new show in production for Netflix. Titled The Waterfront, the series is based on a true story as it follows a family doing whatever means necessary – legal or otherwise – to keep their fishing business going.
Netflix announced a stacked cast as Holt McCallany (The Iron Claw) and Maria Bello (A History of Violence) will lead the series as Harlan and Mae Buckley, the parents of the Buckley family and leaders of their fishing empire. Starring alongside them is Melissa Benoist (Supergirl), Jack Weary (It Follows), Rafael L. Silva (9-1-1: Lone Star), Humberly González (Ginny & Georgia), Danielle Campbell (The Originals) and Bradley Hepner (The Black Phone).
The synopsis reads: “Inspired by true events, The Waterfront dives into the story of the flawed Buckley family as their attempts to retain control of their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire drive them to increasingly dangerous means to keep themselves afloat.”
McCallany is Harlan Buckley. “Is Harlan a hero? A villain? It’s a hard call. He’s a man who loves his whiskey and has built up the Buckley fishery business with his dad — sometimes veering into illegal territory in the ’80s. Since his two heart attacks, Harlan hasn’t changed his lifestyle, but his absence from the family business left it in the hands of his wife, Mae, and his son, Cane.”
Bello will play Harlan’s wife Mae, “a complex woman who is running the fishery in very questionable ways while trying to save the family. Between Mae and Cane’s desperation and foolish decision-making, Harlan is left with no choice but to take the reins once again.”
Weary is Cane Buckley. “As Harlan Buckley’s only son, Cane has a complicated relationship with his father but never stops trying to do the right thing by his dad and can’t seem to say no to him. Married to Peyton and the father of a young daughter, Cane likes the money his family business affords him, a Band-Aid for the life he got instead of the life he wanted.”
Benoist will portray Bree Buckley. “The intelligent and hot-tempered Buckley who formerly oversaw the fishery’s finances and, like her father, has allowed alcohol to ruin her bright future. After losing custody of her son, Bree struggles to maintain a relationship with him while maintaining her sobriety.”
Silva stars as Shawn Wilson. “Newly employed bartender for the Buckleys, Shawn is intrigued by the family and carries a secret that could upend the family forever.”
González will play Jenna Tate. “A journalist who leaves the city to return to Beaufort to tend to her ailing father. Returning to her hometown, she’s confronted with past relationships, including her high school sweetheart, Cane, who still holds a flame for her.”
Campbell will play Peyton Buckley. “A proper Southern woman, Peyton is built to sparkle. The wife of Cane and mother of an 8-year-old, she loves Cane and understands his complex relationship with his dad.”
Hepner will portray Diller Hopkins. “Bree’s son who now lives with her ex-husband, Diller is a resentful teenager, a product of having an alcoholic mother. Although Bree is looking to mend their relationship, Diller treats her with hostility and turns to his grandfather Harlan whom he idolizes.”
Also joining the series in recurring roles is Gerardo Celasco (Devil in Ohio) as DEA Agent Marcus Sanchez, Michael Gaston (Daredevil: Born Again) as Sheriff Clyde Porter and Zach Roerig (The Vampire Diaries) as Troy.
The Waterfront is created by Williamson. Directing the first two episodes is Marcos Siega (Dexter: New Blood), who will executive produce with Outerbanks Entertainment’s Ben Fast. Universal Television will oversee production.
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
