Syfy casts new alien drama pilot Defiance

Production on Syfy Channel’s next big drama series is headed into full-swing, with the network announcing casting for the pilot this week — including Julie Benz (Dexter, No Ordinary Family). Defiance will begin filming in Toronto next month.

Set on a futuristic Earth after an apocalyptic event, Defiance is a broad-scale epic that sees multiple alien races attempting to live together after a universal war. “Forced to co-habitate, the disparate group struggles to build a new society among the devastation,” Syfy said in a press release. “The dramatic tapestry of the series and the intense action of the game will exist in a single universe where their respective narratives will inform one another and evolve together into one overall story.”

The series is produced by Universal Cable Productions, and will be show-run by Kevin Murphy (Caprica, Hellcats).  The pilot will be directed by Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest), and written / executive produced by Murphy, Rockne O’Bannon (Farscape), and Michael Taylor (Battlestar Galactica).

Syfy and game developer Trion Worlds are planning to launch the television series and multi-platform MMO simultaneously, with the storylines for both intertwining in a way that makes Defiance a totally original and immersive experience.

The cast includes:

GRANT BOWLER as Jeb Nolan, the new law keeper in a bustling mining boomtown named Defiance, and a former Marine who fought in the alien conflict. After losing his wife and child in the war, he becomes a wanderer in the dangerous new world, eventually joined by Irisa, a young Irathient he raises as his own and as his lone companion in the lawless badlands.

JULIE BENZ as Amanda Rosewater, the idealistic mayor of the boomtown, one of the world’s few oases of civility and inclusion. As the newly appointed mayor, she is determined to maintain peace in the community, an ambitious task in this deadly new world.

STEPHANIE LEONIDAS as Irisa, an exotically beautiful warrior who is part of an alien race called the Irathients. After Nolan (Bowler) killed her criminal father, he adopted the girl and raised her as his clever – and lethal – right-hand.

TONY CURRAN as Datak Tarr, part of an elite alien race known as the Castithans. Datak grew up in the slums of his home planet, but despite being part of the under-privileged class, he schemed his way onto one of the alien arks, saving himself before his home planet was destroyed.

JAIME MURRAY as Stahma, Datak’s beautiful and proper wife, a high-ranking Castithan before her home planet ceased to exist. Clever, imaginative and darkly opportunistic, Stahma is perhaps more dangerous than her husband.

Before Dexter and No Ordinary Family Benz played the vampire Darla in a recurring role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. More recently she has appeared on the CBS drama A Gifted Man.

Genre fans will also recognize Bowler from True Blood, as well as roles on Ugly Betty and LOST.  Curran’s credits include Blade II and The Invisible Man.  And Jaime Murray is currently appearing as Olivia Charles on Ringer, and has had a recurring role on (and rumored spin-off from) Warehouse 13, as H.G. Wells.

Syfy has ordered 13 episodes and is aiming for a premiere in late 2012 or early 2013, according to TV Wise.