‘Revenge’ sequel in progress at ABC

ABC is plunging into its (ongoing) past for its most recent bit of advancement: a reboot of its 2011-15 drama Revenge.

The new project, which is in the beginning stages of advancement, will center on a Latinx lead character. It originates from original series maker Temple Hill and ABC Studios, with series maker Mike Kelley and How to Get Away With Murder veteran Joe Fazzio co-composing the script.

The story additionally has a connection to its predecessor: The central character, a youthful Latinx immigrant, will be guided by a character from the original series. The story follows the lead as she lands in Malibu to take down a Sackler-Esque pharmaceutical dynasty whose greed led to the murder of her biochemist mother, the devastation of her family and a global epidemic.

Just which character from the first series will be included is not yet clear. No actors are connected to the project starting at yet.

ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke revealed to The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year that she was available to return to some of ABC’s “brand-defining” shows. “We’ll continue to lean into the female-forward but not male-repellent character dramas and comedies going forward,” said the exec. “That means not necessarily female leads, but some entry point for our female audience, which is large.

“I’m looking for some more disruptive ideas in terms of franchises, trying to harken back to what I think were some of the great brand-defining shows of ABC, which led narratively and were braver in their construct, shows like Lost, Desperate Housewives and Scandal. And also frankly, Black-ish and Fresh Off the Boat.”

Black-ish prequel Mixed-ish is right now airing as part of ABC’s Tuesday comedy block, and the network is likewise building up a Fresh Off the Boat spinoff. Roseanne spinoff The Conners is additionally part of the Tuesday comedy lineup (and one of the highest-rated half-hours on TV this season), and ABC shot a pilot for an NYPD Blue sequel last season.

Kelley and Fazzio will executive produce the new Revenge with Kelley’s producing partner, Melissa Loy, and Temple Hill’s Marty Bowen. Kelley is repped by Sloane Offer and Fazzio by lawyer Paul Hastings.