Ava DuVernay’s ‘Central Park Five’ Finishes Casting Its Central Park Five
Netflix limited series adds Chris Chalk, Freddy Miyares, Ethan Herisse and more
Jennifer Maas | August 10, 2018 @ 12:13 PM
Last Updated: August 10, 2018 @ 1:17 PM
Getty Images/Netflix
Ava DuVernay’s “Central Park Five” has rounded out its cast with the final members of the Netflix limited series’ titular lineup.
The streamer announced Friday it has added Chris Chalk (“Gotham”) as Adult Yusef Salaam and newcomers Freddy Miyares and Justin Cunningham as Adult Raymond Santana and Adult Kevin Richardson, respectively. Those three join the previously announced Jharrel Jerome and Jovan Adepo (Adult Antron McCray) as the adult versions of the “Central Park Five.”
Meanwhile, Ethan Herisse (“Miss Virginia”) will play Young Yusef Salaam, Marquis Rodriguez (“Chicago Fire”) will play Young Raymond Santana, Jr., Caleel Harris (“Goosebumps 2”) will play Young Antron McCray and Asante Blackk will play Young Kevin Richardson. Those four, along with Jerome (who is playing the young and adult versions of Korey Wise), will portray the teenagers wrongfully accused in 1989.
Based on a true story that gripped the country, the limited series will chronicle the case of five teenagers of color who were convicted of a rape they did not commit. The four episode limited series will focus on the five teenagers from Harlem — Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise. The series will span from the spring of 1989, when each were first questioned about the incident, to 2014 when they were exonerated and a settlement was reached with the city of New York.
Previously announced cast members include Jerome, Adepo, Michael K. Williams, Vera Farmiga, John Leguizamo, Felicity Huffman, Niecy Nash, Aunjanue Ellis, Kylie Bunbury, Marsha Stephanie Blake and Storm Reid.
DuVernay will write and direct the four-episode drama. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King from Participant Media, Oprah Winfrey from Harpo Films, Jane Rosenthal and Berry Welsh from Tribeca Productions will executive produce the limited series alongside DuVernay under her Forward Movement banner.
“Central Park Five” began filming this week in New York City. The limited series will be released on Netflix in 2019.
Netflix in August: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)
Arriving Aug. 1: "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring"
For anyone wanting to brush up on the "LOTR" series before the TV adaptation hits Amazon, now is your chance. The first installment of Peter Jackson's trilogy hits Netflix on the first of the month.
New Line
Arriving Aug. 10: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"
If "Set It Up" had you wanting more from Glenn Powell and "Mama Mia Here We Go Again" had you wanting more from Lily James, we have the perfect movie for you. "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is an adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same name and follows James as a journalist, with Powell playing her love interest. Watch the trailer here.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 10: "Insatiable"
Debby Ryan stars in this tale of a high school student used to be teased for her looks finding herself suddenly beautiful. The trailer garnered backlash, with critics saying that the series promotes fat-shaming. Tune in Aug. 10 to decide for yourself.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 17: "Disenchantment"
The latest from Matt Groening features the voice of "Broad City" star Abbi Jacobson as Bean, a drinking princess, and follows her adventures with companion Elfo and her own personal demon Luci.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 24: "The Innocents"
This sci-fi offering features Sorcha Groundsell as June, who starts a new life in London but finds herself involuntarily shape-shifting. The series also stars Guy Pearce and Percelle Ascott.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 31: "Ozark" Season 2
Marty Byrd (Jason Bateman) and company are back for the money laundering off season... which doesn't really seem like any sort of break, given the trailer.
Netflix
Leaving Aug. 1: "Finding Dory"
If you need some warm and fuzzies, be sure to watch "Finding Dory" before it leaves on Aug. 1.
For the complete list of what's coming to and leaving Netflix in August, head over here.
Pixar
1 of 7
From “Finding Dory” to “Ozark” Season 2
Arriving Aug. 1: "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring"
For anyone wanting to brush up on the "LOTR" series before the TV adaptation hits Amazon, now is your chance. The first installment of Peter Jackson's trilogy hits Netflix on the first of the month.