ABC has found its Greatest American Hero in Hannah Simone.
The actress, who has starred on Fox’s New Girl for the past seven seasons, was a hot commodity this pilot season — fielding multiple offers before ultimately selecting the lead in the update of the short-lived 1980s comedy.
The project, being shepherded by Fresh Off the Boat showrunner Nahnatchka Kahn, received a pilot order just two weeks ago. The half-hour comedy follows Meera (Simone), a 30-year-old Cleveland woman whose talents include drinking tequila, singing karaoke and not much else. All that changes when some aliens entrust her with a super suit to protect the planet.
Fresh Off the Boat writer-producer Rachna Fruchbom wrote the script and will serve as executive producer alongside Khan, Mandy Summers and original series creator Stephen J. Cannell’s daughter, TV director Tawnia McKiernan. The project hails from 20th Century Fox Television, where Khan’s Fierce Baby banner is based. (ABC Studios will serve as co-producer.)
The original Greatest American Hero was an hourlong drama — despite the comedic premise. It aired on ABC from 1981-83, with William Katt as the lead.
Simone comes to the pilot after seven years on New Girl and roles in films such as Killing Gunther, Band Aid, Flock of Dudes and Old Boy.
She is repped by UTA, Alpita Patel Management and Ziffren Brittenham.
