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Casting Couch: Legal "Damages," Williams to Play in "Dollhouse"?

A couple of interesting tidbits emanating from the casting world this morning, courtesy of some very secretive sources.

First up, I am hearing that an offer is out to British actress Olivia Williams (Miss Austen Regrets, Rushmore) to play the role of Adele DeWitt in FOX's upcoming Joss Whedon drama Dollhouse.

Adele is described as "40-something, beautiful, sophisticated, cold as an Alp. Runs the Dollhouse with an efficiency that is both ruthless and protective. Would die before she showed anyone how lonely she is."

I think Williams, who was absolutely dynamic as the witty, wounded Jane Austen in the recent Miss Austen Regrets, would be perfect for the role of Adele. Fingers crossed that the deal closes as I'd love to see her in Whedon's hands on Dollhouse and I think she'd be a fantastic foil to Eliza Dushku's Echo.

UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter has now confirmed my scoop. Olivia Williams has been cast as Adele in Dollhouse. Huzzah!

Over on Damages, which returns to FX later this year with a second season of (legal) battles, blackmail, and betrayal, casting is underway on three new roles: a female lawyer who will serve as opposing counsel; a new love interest for Ellen; and Patty Hewes' new client, a man described as "extremely manipulative (but seamless in his manipulation)... ego-maniacal type."

SPOILER ALERT! Good news: it does indeed look like Ted Danson WILL be back next season as shark-like billionaire Arthur Frobisher, after all. While Damages is definitely about the push and pull between female adversaries Patty (Glenn Close) and Ellen (Rose Byrne), I like the aura of greed and general malfeasance that Danson brings to the series with Frobisher and I am happy that his story isn't quite over yet.

Stay tuned.
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Comments

Joey Sims said…
Great casting, hope it's true. I recently saw Williams on stage at the National Theatre (in London) and she was fantastic. Then I saw her in 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and was astonished by how wasted she was in that.
4/03/2008
Danielle C.F. Maris said…
The casting for Dollhouse just keeps getting better and better. I am absolutely drooling with anticipation. Williams is a fantastic choice and I'm glad to see Joss continuing with his prestigious line of British mentor/authority figures. Giles and Wesley would be proud.
4/03/2008
Anonymous said…
Excellent choice. I can totally picture Williams in that role. And I am very excited about the Damages news! I usually don't like spoilers but, as it was Damages, I couldn't keep myself from peeking and am glad I did.

And I love the description of Patty's new client ("extremely manipulative but seamless in his manipulation). Isn't that everyone on Damages?
4/03/2008
Anonymous said…
Yeah, Ausiello posted the same story (but had no idea who Olivia Williams was) about 12 hours after you but called it a scoop. I hate that guy.
4/03/2008
Anonymous said…
Awesome! I love her and can't wait to see this. She was AMAZING in the 6th Sense.
4/03/2008
Anonymous said…
Loves this news. I know her best from FRIENDS but I think she'll be great as Adele. Now if only we could get ASH to leave MERLIN for DOLLHOUSE I would be set.
4/03/2008
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