‘The Arrangement’ Isn’t About Scientology, Cast and Producer Insist
TCA 2017: “I just saw this as a truly unique story that takes place in Hollywood and our characters are very unique in their own right,” Josh Henderson says
Linda Ge | February 26, 2017 @ 6:53 PM
Last Updated: February 26, 2017 @ 7:05 PM
E!
“The Arrangement” is really, really not about Scientology, according to the cast and executive producer of the new E! drama.
“It really isn’t,” showrunner Jonathan Abrahams said a the Television Critics Association panel earlier this year, answering the first (of many) questions about whether the marriage at the center of the show has any parallels to celebrity marriages within the movement created by L. Ron Hubbard.
The first episode of “The Arrangement” sees newcomer Megan Morrison (Christine Evangelista) impressing the world’s biggest movie star Kyle West (Josh Henderson) so much in their audition together that he whisks her off to an amazing first date on his private jet. She’s soon presented with a marriage contract for $10 million.
Henderson was asked whether he ever studied prominent Scientologist Tom Cruise’s personal life or history to prepare for the part.
“Not at all,” he said. “I just saw this as a truly unique story that takes place in Hollywood and our characters are very unique in their own right.”
Abrahams also insisted that the organization at the center of “The Arrangement,” The Institute of the Higher Mind, unlike Scientology, is not a religion at all.
“It’s not a religion, it really is not a religion. I don’t mean that coyly,” he said. “This is not a show about faith, that’s not the underlying theme, of ‘Do you believe or do you not believe?’ There are shows out there that examine that, but for me, it was really about — Hollywood is such an aspirational town, these self-help organizations are about aspiring to a higher way of living. Having more success in your profession, in relationships, a more fulfilling life is promised to you. ‘Come join our thing, do our program, spend X amount of dollars for the weekend intensive, and you can change your life.’ To me, that’s not really about faith, it’s about hope, aspiration. So, definitely not a religion.”
“The Arrangement” premieres Sunday, March 5 at 10 p.m. ET on E!
17 Breakout TV Stars to Watch for In 2017, From Ricky Whittle to Rose Leslie (Photos)
Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.
Camila Mendes, "Riverdale" The entire cast of The CW's teen drama are about to become huge stars, but our safe bet is on Mendes, the new Veronica Lodge, the troubled bad girl whose arrival in town coincides with some big changes for Archie and his friends.
The CW
Corey Hawkins, "24: Legacy" Stepping into Kiefer Sutherland's shoes is no small task, but could reap big rewards for Hawkins, who's been poised for a breakout since last summer's hit "Straight Outta Compton."
Fox
Sonequa Martin-Green, "Star Trek Discovery" We don't know anything about the new "Star Trek" series ... but it's a new "Star Trek" series, and if you're the star of it, you're going to have a big breakout moment.
Getty
Ricky Whittle, "American Gods" Bringing a sizable fanbase from "The 100" with him, Whittle is set to endear a whole new set of rabid fans in Bryan Fuller's Neil Gaiman adaptation.
Starz
Rachel Keller, "Legion" After impressing Noah Hawley on "Fargo," the showrunner is giving Keller an even bigger breakout platform, as the female lead opposite Dan Stevens in FX's X-Men superhero series.
FX
Finn Jones, "Iron Fist" Marvel's latest superhero will do his best to keep up with the likes of "Daredevil," "Jessica Jones" and "Luke Cage," all of whom have been breakout stars and critical and fan favorites.
Netflix
Adria Arjona, "Emerald City" "Wizard of Oz" fans, get ready to meet your new Dorothy. From director Tarsem, NBC's new fantasy drama should be visually stunning if nothing else.
NBC
Jermaine Fowler, "Superior Donuts" CBS has been high on the stand-up comedian and retooled this sitcom for him twice before ordering it to series - time for the world to see Fowler's talents.
CBS
Rose Leslie, "The Good Fight" This "Game of Thrones" alum no longer has to share the spotlight with a cast of thousands as the lead of CBS All Access' "The Good Wife" spinoff.
CBS
Jacob Lofland, "The Son" As the younger version of the central character, Lofland is central to the sprawling Texas-set family drama, setting the groundwork for his character to grow up to be Pierce Brosnan.
AMC
Allison Tolman, "Downward Dog" After her impressive turn on "Fargo," it's about time Tolman got her own show - hopefully that talking pooch doesn't hog all the limelight.
ABC
Austin P. Mckenzie, "When We Rise" The Broadway alum plays a young LGBT activist in Dustin Lance Black's chronicle of the early days of the gay movement.
ABC
Logan Browning, "Dear White People" The Justin Simien movie made Tessa Thompson a breakout star, and Browning is set to take over the role in the Netflix series.
Netflix
Dylan Minnette, "13 Reasons Why" The "Goosebumps" star plays the lead in the long-gestating Jay Asher YA novel, from producer Selena Gomez.
Getty
Pearl Mackie, "Doctor Who" The new Doctor's Companion should prepare herself to become a star. Just ask her predecessors Karen Gillan and Jenna Coleman.
BBC
Freddie Stroma, "Time After Time" After endearing audiences on "UnREAL," Stroma takes a lead role as H.G. Wells in Kevin Williamson's "Time After Time."
ABC
Jodie Comer, "The White Princess" The star of the sequel to "The White Queen" could find herself becoming the next Rebecca Ferguson.
Starz
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The new Kiefer Sutherland, the new Veronica Lodge, the newest Marvel superhero and other stars poised to have big years on the small screen
Another year, another crop of TV stars ready to steal audiences' hearts and attentions. Here are 17 up-and-comers we're keeping an eye on in 2017.