Monica Raymund to Star in Dick Wolf’s Scripted Podcast Drama Series “Dark Woods”

It’s a dark time for Monica Raymund.

The 35-year-old half-Dominican American actress and Hightown star will star opposite Corey Stoll and Reid Scott in Dark Woods, a scripted podcast drama series from Dick Wolf’s Wolf Entertainment.

Monica Raymund

The thriller centers around the suspicious death of a young park volunteer in the California Redwood Forest.

It’s the Law & Order creator’s second foray into the world of scripted podcasts after the launch of Hunted, starring Parker Posey and Brandon Scott, in 2019.

It brings together two actors from the wider Wolf world; Stoll played Detective Tomas Jaruszalski in Law & Order: LA, while Raymund starred as Gabriela Dawson Casey in Chicago Fire.

The series, which launches on November 8, begins when the body of a young volunteer is discovered in the middle of the California redwoods. It brings together two estranged ex-spouses, a stubborn game warden and a charismatic councilwoman, who must put their personal differences aside to learn the terrifying truth about what is happening in their state park. The investigation leads to a surprising twist impacted by illegal marijuana grow sites and a much larger crime organization.

Written by David Pergolini and directed by Takashi Doscher, it is executive-produced by Dick Wolf and Elliot Wolf. The series is produced by Wolf Entertainment and Endeavor Content in association with Waverunner Studios.

The series was recorded remotely with Raymund recording during breaks from Starz’ Hightown, Stoll was in New York and Scott was in LA.

Wolf (right) added that the sound design was key to the audio drama, the idea of creating traditional scenes that would be strong enough to follow along without a visual.

“The goal was to make this as an immersive experience as possible and to make it feel as real life as possible. The actual sound design is largely recorded sounds in the forest. When you hear a coffee mug being picked up, it’s an actual coffee mug,” he said.

Principal Photography Ends on Santiago’s Dark Comedy “Trash Fire”

It’s a wrap on Ray Santiago’s latest project…

Principal photography has officially ended on the dark comedy Trash Fire, featuring the 31-year-old Latino actor.

Ray Santiago

From writer-director Richard Bates Jr., the film stars Adrian Grenier (Entourage) and Angela Trimbur.

The film is a comedy take on psychological thrillers, focusing on a man forced to confront his past when he and his girlfriend end up entangled in a web of lies, deceit and murder.

It also stars Fionnula Flanagan, AnnaLynne McCord, Matthew Gray Gubler, Sally Kirkland, Ezra Buzzington and Molly McCook.

Filming took place in Los Angeles.

Santiago’s previous projects include television appearances on My Name is Earl, Crossing Jordan, Law & Order: LA and Dexter.

Santiago Joins Cast of Starz’s Series “Ash vs. Evil Dead”

Things are about to get downright evil for Ray Santiago…

The 30-year-old Latino actor has been cast opposite Dana DeLorenzo and Bruce Campbell in Starz’s 10-episode series Ash vs. Evil Dead, the follow-up to the cult film franchise.

Ray Santiago

In it, Campbell reprises his role as Ash, the aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons – personal and literal.

Santiago, who appeared in Meet the Fockers, will play Pablo Simon Bolivar, an idealistic immigrant who becomes Ash’s loyal sidekick – a Sancho Panza to Ash’s Don Quixote. Pablo believes in Ash’s heroism even if Ash himself doesn’t.

The series is set to film on location in New Zealand this spring for a premiere on Starz in late 2015.

Santiago’s other credits include appearances on My Name is Earl, Crossing Jordan, Law & Order: LA and Dexter.

Salazar to Star in the Indie Dramedy “Night Owls”

Rosa Salazar is a night owl

The Canadian-born Latina actress has been cast in Night Owls.

Rosa Salazar

Salazar, who best known for her role as Zoe on the NBC series Parenthood, will star opposite Adam Pally in the indie dramedy from director Charles Hood.

Pally will portray a workaholic who has a drunken one-night stand with a beautiful train wreck (Salazar) — who he discovers to his horror is his boss’ jilted ex-mistress.

Salazar’s other credits include American Horror Story, Ben and Kate and Law & Order: LA.

Molina to Star in NBC’s Comedy Pilot “Assistance”

For his next project, Alfred Molina will need a little assistance

The 59-year-old half-Spanish actor, who currently stars on TNT’s Monday Mornings drama series, will be starring opposite Krysten Ritter in the NBC’s comedy pilot Assistance.

Alfred Molina

The project, from Universal Television, centers on Nora (portrayed by Ritter), an idealistic “working girl” assistant who is pulled between her colleague and her real-life fiancé while trying to manage her demanding boss Daniel (Molina).

Molina’s character is described as a very successful film producer with a large presence and thick intensity.

Along with his award-winning performance in Chocolat, Molina’s film credits include Spider-Man 2, An Education and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. His television credits include performances in Law & Order: LA and Harry’s Law.

de la Garza Returning to NBC…

It’s back to the “Peacock Network” for Alana de la Garza

The 35-year-old half-Mexican-American actress has landed a lead role in NBC’s medical drama pilot Do No Harm, which centers on a brilliant neurosurgeon named Jeffrey Kohn who wrestles with his dangerous alter-ego who threatens to wreak havoc on his personal and professional life.

Alana de La Garza

de la Garza, best known for her role as Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa on Law & Order and Law & Order: LA, will play Dr. Lena Steck, a confident neurosurgeon who has chemistry with Kohl.

The Ohio-born/Texas-raised actress has also appeared on All My Children, as well as guest-starred on JAG, Two and a Half Men, Charmed and CSI: Miami.