Fox has added four more characters to its upcoming “9-1-1” spinoff starring Rob Lowe. Natacha Karam, Brian Michael Smith, Julian Works and newcomer Rafael Silva are joining “9-1-1: Lone Star” as series regulars.
Karam will play Marjan Marwani, a devout Muslim firefighter, who is also described as an adrenaline junkie. Smith will portray transgender male firefighter Paul Strickland, who “has a gift for observation worthy of Sherlock Holmes.” Smith, a trans male, is the second notable transgender casting for a broadcast TV series, following Laverne Cox’s starring role in CBS’ “Doubt,” which ran for one season in 2017.
Works will portray rookie firefighter Mateo Chavez, while Silva plays Austin police officer Carlos Reyes.
Created and executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, “9-1-1: Lone Star” stars Lowe (“Parks and Recreation,” “The West Wing”) “as a sophisticated New York fireman who, along with his adult son, re-locates to Austin and must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in his own life.”
Liv Tyler and “True Blood” alum Jim Parrack are the only other confirmed castings for the spinoff.
“9-1-1: Lone Star” is produced by 20th Century Fox Television in association with Ryan Murphy Television and Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision. Murphy, Falchuk and Minear are creators and executive producers on the series. Lowe will serve as a co-executive producer on the series.
“9-1-1: Lone Star” premieres with a two-night event, beginning on Sunday, Jan. 19, immediately following the NFC Championship, and continuing on Monday, Jan. 20.