Anna Torv and Jennifer Jason Leigh are set to star in Ryan Murphy’s new HBO sexuality pilot Open.
The casting marks Torv’s return to television following her five-season run on Fox’s Fringe, explains the Hollywood Reporter. In addition to Torv, Jennifer Jason Leigh has also signed onto the project as an on-screen love interest for Torv.
Open is described as a multi-character exploration of the complex, ever-evolving landscape of human sexuality, monogamy and intimacy in relationships. Murphy along with Dexter’s Lauren Gussis penned the pilot and will executive produce.
Torv will play Windsor, a yoga instructor in a long-term relationship with Holly (Leigh), an actress intensely committed to her career. Once Windsor meets Grace, she feels an instant connection.
Both Torv and Leigh will join Last Resort’s Scott Speedman, who will play a sports agent named Jonathan, who is married to Grace, a gynecologist who is confused about her sexuality after meeting Windsor. Grace’s character has not yet been casted.
Hunger Games alum Wes Bentley will play Evan, a handsome blowhard who loves espousing his theories on human sexuality.
Dante Di Loreto of Glee and American Horror Story will executive producer for Ryan Murphy Television and 20th Television’s cable arm Fox 21. Murphy is currently under an overall deal at 20th TV.
The role marks Torv’s first TV role following Fringe’s end in January after a 100-episode run. She has plans to voice a role in the animated feature Heavenly Sword. Torv is repped by WME and United Management in Australia.
HBO ordered the drama to pilot in April. If the project moves forward, it would maark Murphy’s third series on air, joining Glee and FX’s American Horror Story.
For Murphy, Open marks his second HBO project; along with his adaptation of Larry Kramer’s Tony-winning play The Normal Heart. Murphy will executive produce and direct Normal Heart, which is scheduled to premiere in 2014. Jason Blum, Dede Gardner and Di Loreto will also executive produce.