As NBC prepares its pilot for the musical comedy Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, they have added two stars to its cast. Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) and Alex Newell (Glee) will join Jane Levy in the pilot.
Astin will portray Zoey’s co-worker and best friend Max, described as a “funny, charming, self-deprecating, wannabe ladies man with a sexy-nerd, indie vibe.” Newell, meanwhile, will play Mo, Zoey’s “easygoing, open-minded and cool” neighbor.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist follows a whip-smart but socially awkward girl in her late 20’s, Zoey (Levy) who is suddenly able to hear the innermost thoughts of people around her as songs and even big musical numbers that they perform just for her. With this new ability at her disposal, she is able to use her “gift” to not only help herself understand people in her life, but also to help others around her.
The pilot was written by Winsberg and will be directed by Richard Sherpard (Girls). Paul Feig (Spy) was originally set to direct the pilot, but had to back out due to a conflicting schedule. He will still remain onboard the series as an executive producer this his FeigCo company. Winsberg will produce alongside Feig and Jessie Henderson Kim Tannenbaum, Eric Tannenbaum and Jason Wang.
