After a search across multiple countries, Hulu has found the star for its new drama pilot, Foster Dade. The rising English actor Jack Alldridge has officially won the title role. He joins a cast that already includes established names like Matt Bomer and Chloe East. Production for the pilot started in New York on December 2nd. The show is based on a popular book and comes from the creator behind major TV hits.
The New Star Of A Big Mystery
At the center of the new show is the character of Foster Dade, a new student at the elite Kennedy boarding school. The role demands an actor who can show a wide range of feelings and walk the line between a hero and an anti-hero. The show’s producers have said they looked at thousands of young actors from around the world for this part.
“We knew the titular character of Foster Dade would be the heart and soul of this show. We needed an actor that could embody the full range of emotion and toe the line between hero and anti-hero,” said producers Greg Berlanti, Bash Doran, and Sarah Schechter in a joint statement. “Fresh out of drama school, Jack is an extraordinary talent.”
Alldridge is a recent graduate of the Guildford School of Acting in England. He recently appeared in the Netflix series Death by Lightning and is set to appear in other major projects in 2026.
What “Foster Dade” Is All About
The pilot is based on the novel Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos by author Nash Jenkins. It is set at an East Coast boarding school, with the story taking place in both 2008 and the present day. The plot is described as a sophisticated mystery that explores big themes like privilege, scandal, sexuality, and masculinity.
The official description of Foster Dade paints a picture of a complex teenager. He is described as a lonely, anxious, and ferocious reader. On the advice of his psychologist, he blogs to express himself. He deeply wants to be liked and to fall in love, partly due to a difficult home life. What he doesn’t know is that his desire for a fresh start will land him at the center of the biggest scandal his school has ever seen.
A Strong Team In Front Of And Behind The Camera
Jack Alldridge will not be leading the show alone. He joins a cast that was announced before him. Chloe East will play Annabeth, a popular girl at the school who takes Foster under her wing. Cameron Mann will portray a fellow student named Jack Albright. Veteran actor Matt Bomer is also on board, playing a brilliant teacher at the school named Alex Tierney.
The creative team behind the camera has a strong track record. The pilot is written and executive produced by Greg Berlanti, a major producer known for shows like You, and Bash Doran. Daniel Minahan, who directed the acclaimed series Fellow Travelers, is set to direct the pilot. The project is being produced by Warner Bros. Television, where Greg Berlanti has a deal. Hulu gave the order for the pilot to be made in August 2024 after several months of development.
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A Quick Rise For Jack Alldridge
For Jack Alldridge, landing this lead role is a major step in a fast-moving career. His recent part in Netflix’s Death by Lightning saw him acting opposite Michael Shannon. He also starred in the highly watched 2025 John Lewis Christmas commercial in the UK, a holiday tradition for many viewers. His next appearances will be in Season 15 of the long-running drama Call the Midwife and the BritBox/ITV1 series The Lady, both scheduled for 2026.
With the pilot now filming, the project has also started sharing casting calls for additional roles in the New York area through agencies like Waldron Casting. This means more actors will soon join the world of the Kennedy boarding school. While no release date has been set, the project is now actively moving forward, putting the new star, Jack Alldridge, at the heart of Hulu’s next potential hit series.
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