Grease prequel series reveals its electrifying cast

Last Updated on February 1, 2022

Paramount+ has announced the cast of its Grease prequel series, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

The prequel series stars Marisa Davila as Jane, Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia, Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia, Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy, Shanel Bailey as Hazel, Madison Thompson as Susan, Johnathan Nieves as Richie, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally, and Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee.

Set in 1954, four years before the original Grease, the 10-episode series explores how Rizzo, Frenchy, Marty, and Jan came together before ruling Rydell High in their senior year.

The Grease prequel series is written and executive produced by creator Annabel Oakes (Atypical), who also serves as showrunner. Marty Bowen will executive produce through Temple Hill, Adam Fishbach also executive produces, with Erik Feig and Samie Kim Falvey executive producing via Picturestart. Alethea Jones (Made For Love) will direct the pilot and two more episodes and will executive produce. Grace Gilroy is producing, with Jamal Sims arranging choreography and music by Grammy nominee and executive music producer Justin Tranter.

Speaking of music, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies will feature new original music, written and executive produced by Tranter, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, and producer known for albums by Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga’s and The Chicks.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new original series that will introduce an incredible cast of young stars in the making and electrifying musical numbers you will fall in love with,” said Nicole Clemens, President, Paramount Television Studios & Paramount+ Original Scripted Series. “Annabel and Alethea have managed to brilliantly capture the spirit of the iconic beloved classic film which like Rise of the Pink Ladies, is both set in the past but relevant to the present.”

Released in 1978, Grease starred Olivia Newton-John as good girl Sandy Olsson and John Travolta as greaser Danny Zuko. After falling in love over a hot summer break, Sandy and Danny soon find themselves attending the same high school. With their respective peer groups analyzing their every move, the pair attempt to rekindle what they once had.

Considered a timeless classic among theater groups and cinephiles alike, Grease became a cultural touchstone for generations. Filled with earworm anthems, plenty of tomfooleries, and enough hair jelly to satisfy George Clooney’s Ulysses Everett McGill (O Brother, Where Art Thou?), Grease is often hailed as a marvel of musical cinema and stage.

Are you feeling electrified by today’s casting news for Paramount’s Grease prequel series? Let us know in the comments section below.