The cast for Hulu’s upcoming young adult drama pilot Foster Dade just got a little bigger. Actor Jaden Michael has signed on to appear in the project, which is based on the novel Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos by Nash Jenkins. The news comes as production gears up for the pilot, adding another familiar face to an already impressive lineup of young stars and seasoned actors .
Jaden Michael is the latest addition to the Foster Dade pilot, which Hulu greenlit back in August 2025. The streaming service ordered the pilot after fast-tracking the script from executive producers Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran. According to the exclusive report from Variety, Michael will be sharing the screen with previously announced lead Jack Alldridge, along with Chloe East, Cameron Mann, Matt Bomer, Heather Burns, Wyatt Aubrey, Olivia Campos-Tarantino, and Vinny Chhibber .
The project is being written and executive produced by Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran. Berlanti is known for his work on numerous hit series including You, Dawson’s Creek, and the Arrowverse shows. Sarah Schechter and Leigh London Redman of Berlanti Productions are also on board as executive producers, alongside Donald De Line of De Line Pictures, Robbie Rogers, and the book’s author Nash Jenkins. Daniel Minahan will direct the pilot. The studio behind the project is Warner Bros. Television, where Berlanti holds an overall deal .
Who is Jaden Michael Playing in ‘Foster Dade’?
In the Foster Dade pilot, Jaden Michael will take on the role of Mark Stetson. The character is described as one of only two openly gay students at the fictional Kennedy boarding school. The description paints a picture of a young man from a family with new money who is actively pursuing his dream of becoming an actor .
This role adds to Michael’s growing list of television credits. He most recently starred as the lead, Mickey Bolitar, in the Prime Video series Harlan Coben’s Shelter. Before that, he gained significant attention for his starring role in the Netflix limited series Colin in Black & White, where he portrayed a young Colin Kaepernick. His other acting work includes appearances in the Baz Luhrmann Netflix series The Get Down and films such as Vampires vs. The Bronx and Wonderstruck . He is also set to appear in Tyler Perry’s upcoming Netflix film Why Did I Get Married Again? .
The Story: What is ‘Foster Dade’ About?
The Foster Dade pilot is based on Nash Jenkins’ debut novel, Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos. The story is described as a sophisticated mystery that unfolds in two different time periods: 2008 and the present day .
The official logline for the show says it is a “sophisticated mystery set at an East Coast boarding school that explores privilege, scandal, sexuality, and masculinity amid the rise of social media, millennial anxiety and pharmaceuticals” . This setting provides a rich backdrop for a story that looks at how young people navigate complex social hierarchies and personal identities in a rapidly changing world.
The creative team has described the show’s main character as the heart and soul of the story. When lead actor Jack Alldridge was cast, Berlanti, Doran, and fellow executive producer Sarah Schechter released a statement saying they needed an actor who could embody a full range of emotion and walk the line between hero and anti-hero. They found Alldridge, a fresh drama school graduate, after a worldwide search that saw thousands of talented young actors .
A Reunion of ‘Fellow Travelers’ Talent Behind the Scenes
One of the notable aspects of the Foster Dade pilot is the reunion of key talent from the acclaimed series Fellow Travelers. Matt Bomer is set to play the adult lead in the pilot. He is joined by director Daniel Minahan, who directed episodes of Fellow Travelers, and executive producer Robbie Rogers, who also worked on that series .
This reunion is part of a larger producing deal that Robbie Rogers has signed with Warner Bros. Television-based Berlanti Productions. Under this agreement, Rogers will bring his own television projects to the company. He is also serving as an executive producer on Foster Dade, as well as other Berlanti Productions projects like Stillwater for Amazon .
For audiences who connected with the emotional depth and queer storytelling of Fellow Travelers, this collaboration signals a similar commitment to layered and meaningful drama. Matt Bomer‘s involvement, in particular, brings a level of credibility and star power that has excited many who follow his career choices. His work in projects like The Normal Heart and Fellow Travelers has made him a beloved figure for LGBTQ+ viewers looking for authentic and nuanced performances .
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Other Cast Members and Production Details
Jack Alldridge is set to play the title role of Foster Dade. He joins a cast that includes Chloe East and Cameron Mann, though details about their specific roles have not been fully disclosed. The cast also includes Heather Burns, Wyatt Aubrey, Olivia Campos-Tarantino, and Vinny Chhibber .
Production on the pilot was scheduled to begin in New York. The creative team behind the camera is just as notable as the cast in front of it. With Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran writing the script and Daniel Minahan directing, the pilot has a strong foundation. Minahan’s previous work includes directing episodes of Six Feet Under, True Blood, Homeland, House of Cards, and American Crime Story .
The project is being developed by Berlanti Productions, De Line Pictures, and Warner Bros. Television. This partnership brings together experienced production companies with a track record of delivering successful television series. Hulu ordering a pilot, rather than going straight to series, is a more traditional development approach that allows the network to test the creative vision before committing to a full season. This method has become less common in the streaming era, making Hulu’s approach somewhat notable .
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Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on casting news and development as the Foster Dade pilot moves forward.
