Danny Pino, perhaps best known for his long-running work on TV’s Cold Case, has joined Amy Adams and the cast of Dear Evan Hansen, Universal’s adaptation of the Broadway musical.
Stephen Chbosky (Wonder) is directing the feature which has a script by Steven Levenson, who wrote the book for the stage musical. Music and lyrics are by Academy Award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also worked on La La Land and The Greatest Showman.
Ben Platt, who originated the role and even won a Tony for it, is reprising the character of Evan Hansen, a socially awkward teen who gets caught up in a lie when he says he was best friends with a schoolmate who commits suicide. The act initially brings him closer to a crush and brings him attention but he must face repercussions when the truth surfaces.
Kaitlyn Dever is playing Zoe, the crush, while Amandla Stenberg has nabbed a part that expands upon the original stage role. Colton Ryan will play Connor, the teen who dies. Nik Dodani is also on the roll call.
Pino’s role has also been reconceived from the one seen in the musical. He will play Adams’ husband and the stepfather of Connor and Zoe.
Pino was most recently seen in FX’s Mayans and will be seen opposite Hilary Swank in Fatale. He also appeared on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for several seasons. He is repped by ICM Partners and manager Geordie Frey.
