Lifetime is in the business of VC Andrews and they have released exciting news about an upcoming project.
Following the network’s success this summer with the limited series Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, which has been viewed by a combined 10 million viewers, they are kicking off with the VC Andrews Dawn Cutler Series, following the dark and twisted story of Cutler, Longchamp and Booth families.
Let’s see what’s in stock!
Brec Bassinger (Stargirl, Bella and the Bulldogs) takes on the title role from Dawn Longchamp and is joined by Emmy-winning actress Donna Mills (Nope, General Hospital, Knots Landing) as Lillian Cutler.
Also starring in the new film event are Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block) as Michael Sutton, Jesse Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives) as Ormand Longchamp, Khobe Clarke (Yellowjackets, An Amish Sin) as Jimmy Longchamp and Emmy nominee Fran Drescher as Agnes Morris.
As the exclusive home of films inspired by the books by best-selling author VC Andrews, Lifetime is bringing Dawn Cutler’s novels – Dawn, Secrets of the Morning, Twilight’s Child and Midnight Whispers – to television, with more casting news to come. The final novel in the series, Darkest Hour, is currently in development.
One of the most beloved authors of all time, VC Andrews created a pop culture sensation with the gothic tale Flowers in the Attic, and the novels The Dawn Cutler have captivated readers for decades.
The first film in the series, Dawn, follows the story of Dawn Longchamp (Bassinger) who, after growing up in a very hardworking and loving family in a humble environment, suddenly has everything she loves ripped away when she enters a new family whose dark and twisted secrets change the course of their lives forever.
As Dawn struggles to fit in, her evil grandmother, Lillian Cutler (Mills), rules her life with an iron fist, exacting cruel punishment when Dawn disobeys her strict orders.
As Dawn finds herself tangled in the mysteries surrounding the family, it becomes clear that a dark and inescapable curse lurks over the Cutlers.
McIntyre plays Dawn’s infamous singing teacher and Broadway star, Michael Sutton, while Drescher stars as Agnes Morris, the unemployed actress and overly made-up drama queen who is the housemother at the performing arts school where Dawn resides.
Metcalfe plays Ormand Longchamp, Dawn’s adoptive father, while Clarke plays Dawn’s adoptive brother, Jimmy Longchamp.
Also joining the cast are Jason Cermak as Dawn’s father, Randolph Cutler; Miranda Frigon as Dawn’s mother, Laura Jean Cutler; and Elyse Maloway (Super Monsters, The Magicians) and Dane Schioler (Prom Pact) as Dawn’s siblings Clara Jean and Philip Cutler.
Also, Corey Woods plays Dawn’s boarding school roommate, Tricia; and Helena Marie plays Sally Longchamp, Dawn’s adoptive mother.
The VC Andrews Dawn Cutler Series is produced by VC Secrets Productions Inc. with Merideth Finn, Michele Weiss, Timothy Johnson and Stacy Mandelberg serving as Executive Producers and Navid Soofi as Producer.
Linda-Lisa Hayter is set to direct the first two films, Dawn and Secrets of the Morning, and Jacquie Gould will direct Twilights Child and Midnight Whispers.
Georgy Small and Richard Blaney will serve as screenwriters for the first three films and Allison Lea Bingeman will serve as screenwriter for the fourth film, Midnight Whispers.
The book series was originally started by VC Andrews and completed by ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman after her death.
Finn and Weiss also executive produced Lifetime’s 2014 Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind.
Andrew Neiderman has carried the VC Andrews franchise for the past 35 years, making him one of the most prolific ghostwriters in history.
With more than 40 years of novel history, 107 million copies sold worldwide, and a cult following, VC Andrews is one of the longest-running book franchises in American publishing history. VC Andrews’ novels have been adapted into over 19 films, 18 by A+E alone, and more are in development.
On October 25, 2022, Gallery Books will publish VC Andrews’ latest novel, Eden’s Children (the first book in the Eden series), also available as eBook and audiobook.
Dawn, the first book in the original Cutler series, written by VC Andrews, is available in paperback and eBook wherever books are sold.
So what do you think?
Will you wait for this one to arrive? We know we will for sure!!
Carissa Pavlica is the editor-in-chief and staff writer and critic at TV Fanatic. She is a member of Critic’s Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. keep following her Twitter and email her here at TV Fanatic.
