Kennedy McMann’s dreams came true when she was cast as Nancy Drew for The CW series. With so many different interpretations of Nancy Drew for the movies and TV shows adaptations – some successful, some not – McMann wants to do the series justice.
CBS has tried to make a Nancy Drew show in the past, but the pilot never made the air. They then took up the task again in 2015 and 2017 but didn’t have any luck.
“It was a little intimidating, because I was like ‘they’ve tried this so many times. I’ve got to be the one to do it!'” McMann admitted. “We were all on our toes and I know CBS felt the same way. CBS Studios have had the rights for a while. So it feels really good to be able to fulfill those dreams for all of us.”
Nancy Drew is returning in what is described as a more supernatural take on the beloved sleuthing story.
“It’s a bit of a thriller,” McMann explained. “Obviously it’s a mystery so there’s lots of detective work that you can see. But it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and we don’t sink into melodrama. These are friends who are smart and witty and funny, so there’s snark, there’s some romance. It checks all the boxes.”
Freddie Prinze Jr. has also been cast in the film to play Nancy’s father, Carson Drew. The veteran actor is no stranger to mysteries having previously starred in the two popular live-action movies of Scooby-Doo in 2002 and 2004.
The show is set in the summer after Nancy’s high school graduation. As she prepares to jet off for college, a family tragedy strikes up, holding Nancy back for a year in her hometown. Along the way, an unexpected murder mystery falls right into her lap – unraveling the secrets in her hometown.
In production with CBS Television Studios and Fake Empire (Gossip Girl, Chuck), Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage will serve as the writers. Larry Teng is the director and executive producer for the pilot.
Nancy Drew premieres on The CW in the fall.