‘Cruel Intentions’ pilot fills Reese Witherspoon’s role

While Sarah Michelle Gellar will reprise her role in the Cruel Intentions film in NBC’s pilot, Reese Witherspoon is far too busy. So, the network has found a new actress to play the role of Annette Hargrove.

Kate Levering, who starred in Drop Dead Diva, will take the role, the Hollywood Reporter confirmed.

The series takes place 15 years after the original film, which was released in 1999. Gellar is back to play Kathryn Merteuil, who wants to control Valmont International and Bash Casey (Taylor John Smith), Annette’s son with Kathryn’s later brother Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe in the film). When Bash, 17, learns about his father, he gets intertwined in a plot more mysterious than he could possibly understand. Sophina Brown also stars.

The Cruel Intentions pilot will be written by the film’s original writer/director, Roger Kumble, who is working with Lindsey Rosin and Jordan Ross. Producer Neal H. Moritz is also working on the project.

Cruel Intentions was originally made by Sony, so the series will be produced by Sony Pictures TV.

Witherspoon is currently busy with HBO’s Big Little Lies.