EXCLUSIVE: Sony Pictures Television have extended the options on several key cast members of its upcoming Netflix comedic coming-of-age drama Boots, Deadline has learned.
The move comes ahead of the series’ Oct. 9 debut on the streamer. Its timing is related to the series’ major delay as the cast options are set to expire Aug. 30, sources said. Extended are Miles Heizer, Liam Oh, Kieron Moore, Dominic Goodman, Blake Burt and Rico Paris, I hear. The options of several cast members have not been extended, which I hear was due to creative reasons, based on where the showrunners plan to take the story in a potential second season.
The biggest name on the cast, Vera Farmiga, is believed to have had a one-year deal and had no option to extend but I hear the creative team is contemplating Season 2 possibilities for her character.
Studios proactively securing series casts is not unusual. It shows the studio’s faith in a show and helps its renewal chances.
Originally greenlighted by Netflix in April 2023, Boots, the last show from legendary producer Norman Lear, was delayed by the Hollywood strikes and then had to wait for a year to get a premiere date after wrapping production in August 2024.
Boots, inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, follows directionless, closeted Cameron Cope (Heizer) and his straight best friend Ray McAffey (Oh) as they join a diverse group of recruits. Set in the tough, unpredictable world of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1990, when being gay in the military was illegal, the ensemble navigates the literal and metaphorical landmines of boot camp, forging unlikely bonds and discovering their true selves in an environment designed to push them to their limits.
The Season 1 main cast also includes Max Parker, Cedrick Cooper, Ana Ayora, Angus O’Brien and Nicholas Logan.
Andy Parker is creator/co-showrunner/executive producer; Jennifer Cecil serves as showrunner/executive producer. Also executive producing are Lear and Brent Miller through Act III Productions, Rachel Davidson, and Scott Hornbacher & Peter Hoar (episode 101). Sony Pictures Television, where Lear was based, is the studio.
