Joanne Froggatt Joins The Magnificent Seven Series, Plus More Epic Casting News

From the grand halls of Downton Abbey to the dusty trails of the Wild West! Joanne Froggatt is trading in her lady’s maid uniform for cowboy boots, and honestly, we can’t even. The beloved British actress just signed on to MGM+’s upcoming series The Magnificent Seven, and the tea is absolutely HOT.

Joanne Froggatt Rides Into The Magnificent Seven

Okay but imagine Anna Bates facing down outlaws instead of managing Carson’s strict downstairs rules. That’s the vibe we’re getting from this casting news. Froggatt is joining the reimagined Western series based on the iconic 1960 film (which itself was based on Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, for you film nerds out there).

The series follows seven outlaws who band together to protect a small town from a ruthless industrialist. It’s giving found family meets gunslinger energy, and we’re SO here for it. While specific character details about Froggatt’s role are being kept under wraps tighter than a Victorian corset, sources confirm she’ll be playing a significant recurring character who shakes up the dynamic of our ragtag group of heroes.

This marks a major genre shift for Froggatt, who’s spent most of her career in prestige British drama. We loved her as the long-suffering Anna in Downton, obviously. And she absolutely crushed it in the dark thriller Liar. But seeing her go full Western? Chef’s kiss. The woman has range, people!

The Magnificent Seven doesn’t have a premiere date yet, but MGM+ is targeting a late 2025 release. Production kicks off this spring in New Mexico, so expect behind-the-scenes photos of Froggatt in full Western getup to break the internet sometime soon.

Killing Eve Alum Takes On Hercule Poirot

In other “wait, WHAT?” casting news, Killing Eve’s Owen McDonnell is stepping into Hercule Poirot’s perfectly polished shoes for a new BBC adaptation. The Irish actor, who played MI6 handler Bill on Killing Eve, will tackle Agatha Christie’s legendary Belgian detective in a fresh series of standalone mysteries.

This is bold, considering we’ve had some ICONIC Poirots over the years. David Suchet basically owned the role for two decades. Kenneth Branagh brought a more brooding energy to the character in his recent films. Now McDonnell gets his shot at those magnificent mustaches and little grey cells.

The first film, Death on the Nile (yes, they’re doing it again), starts filming in June for a 2026 release. Will McDonnell bring that quiet intensity from Killing Eve to Christie’s most famous sleuth? We’re intrigued.

Other Major Casting Moves We Can’t Ignore

Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley is heading to Apple TV+ for a spy thriller called The Algorithm, playing a tech genius who uncovers a global conspiracy. Production starts in July.

Pedro Pascal (because of course) just signed on to narrate a nature documentary series for National Geographic about desert ecosystems. His voice + baby animals = Emmy bait.

The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri landed the lead in A24’s untitled comedy about a struggling comedian who accidentally becomes a cult leader. Shooting begins this fall in Chicago.

Which of these casting announcements has you most hyped? Are you ready to see Joanne Froggatt go full cowgirl, or are you more excited about a fresh take on Poirot?