Catherine Zeta-Jones will play a leading series regular role in Disney’s new original series, “National Treasure.” 

Early last year, Disney Plus ordered a ten-episode TV series based on the 2004 film franchise, “National Treasure.” The show aims to reimagine the franchise with a more modern and younger cast. The show will include the film’s original producer Jerry Bruckheimer alongside writers Marianne and Cormac Wibberley. 

Catherine Zeta-Jones will join the cast as the badass billionaire Billie. Billie is a black-market antiquities expert and treasure hunter who lives by her own code. From a penniless orphan to a stylish businesswoman, Billie is used to getting what she wants—and she wants the Pan-American treasure. 

The multi-award-winning actress’ impressive acting credits range from film to theatre. She nabbed an Academy Award for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the screen adaptation of “Chicago.” She also won a Tony Award for Lead Actress in a Musical for her Broadway debut as Desirée Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music.” She starred in movies “Ocean’s 12,” “Side Effects,” and “Traffic,” which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Recently, she played the notorious drug lord Griselda Blanco in the 2017 American biographical drama film “Cocaine Godmother.”  

Photo Credit: Disney

The new “National Treasure” series will follow the young and brilliant DREAMer, Jess who loves a good mystery and has a knack for solving puzzles. Her resourcefulness and curiosity will enable her to embark on an adventure that will uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past and save a lost Pan-American treasure. Actress Lisette Alexis (“Total Eclipse”) will play Jess in the show. 

Alongside Alexis and Zeta-Jones, the show will also include Zuri Reed (“Flatbush Misdemeanors”) as Tasha, Jordan Rodriguez as Ethan (“Lady Bird”), Antionio Cipriano as Oren (“Jagged Little Pill” on Broadway) and Jake Austin Walker (“Rectify”) as Liam. Lyndon Smith (“Parenthood”) will play FBI Agent Ross who assists Jess and her friends’ treasure quest.

The Disney Branded Television series is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios. The show is said to begin its production this month and will be filming in the rich landscape of Baton Rouge, LA. Jonathan Littman, KristieAnne Reed, and Jon Turteltaub will also act as executive producers of the show alongside Rick Muirragui, who also serves as a writer. The pilot episode is written by Marianne and Cormac Wibberley and will be directed by Mira Nair. To learn more, visit Disneyplus.com.

Published by HOLR Magazine.