Filipinos, represent! Just last month, Lovi Poe was cast in a movie alongside Alex Pettyfer. This time, we have another piece of big casting news. Iñigo Pascual was cast in Fox’s upcoming musical drama “Monarch.” I haven’t mentioned the best part yet: He’ll be acting alongside Susan Sarandon.
“Monarch” centers around a Texan family who are country music royalty. Its, well, monarch is Dottie Cantrell Roman, played by Sarandon. Together with her husband Albie Roman (played by actual country music star Trace Adkins), Dottie is able to forge a country music dynasty.
Like any good show about family empires, it seems like the show’s core conflict is the Roman’s struggle to maintain their status at the top. “Though the Roman name is synonymous with authenticity, the very foundation of their success is a lie. And when their reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy, heir to the crown Nicolette ‘Nicky’ Roman (played by Anna Friel) will stop at nothing to protect her family’s legacy, while ensuring her own quest for stardom,” writes Deadline.
It’s giving me “Succession,” “Empire,” and “Dynasty” all rolled into one, down to the one word name. The “heir to the crown” daughter storyline reminds me of “Succession”’s extremely cutthroat Shiv, while the show revolving around a family in a music industry is very reminiscent of the hip-hop moguls of “Empire.” Finally, the Romans being Texan reminds me of the Southern families on “Dynasty.” (Hey, I didn’t say all the connections were strong.)
Pascual plays Sarandon’s grandson, Ace Grayson. He’s a “talented and sensitive 18-year-old” adopted by Nicky who dreams of following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Deadline describes his role. “In spite of being part of a golden family, his path to success has some challenges.” I’m not sure if I’m particularly excited about “Riverdale” season one Archie but with nepotism, but at least the role is going to let Pascual flex his singing skills. Pascual’s music is more on the R&B side, not country, so seeing how he’s going to adjust might be interesting.
The show is created by lawyer-turned-writer Melissa London Hilfers. It is set to premiere on Jan. 30 next year, Variety reports.
Photo screengrabbed from the music video of Iñigo Pascual’s “Araw Mo“
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and Viber