Freeform has today given a series order to the original drama series Motherland: Fort Salem written by Claws creator Eliot Laurence. The first season will produce 10 episodes.
Set in an alternate America where witches ended their persecution 300 years ago by cutting a deal with the U.S. government to fight for their country. Three young women go from basic training in combat magic into early deployment at Fort Salem. In this world, the traditional roles of gender and power are flipped with the more dominant women on the front lines fighting looming terrorist threats that are familiar to our world, but with tactics and weapons supernatural.
The drama stars Taylor Hickson, Amalia Holm, Jessica Sutton and Demetria McKinney. Kelcey Mawema also starred in the pilot but her role is being recast.
Laurence will serve as showrunner on the first season. He will executive produce with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick. Steven Adelson directed the pilot. Freeform Studios and Gary Sanchez Productions will produce.
"We're so excited to be able to tell this story rich with female empowerment, complex storytelling and an incredibly creative canon," said Tom Ascheim, President, Freeform. "While set in an alternative universe, Motherland: Fort Salem will continue the authentic and issues-driven storylines that our network is known for, and what our audience has come to expect. We are thrilled to be working with Eliot, Will, Adam and Kevin on this exceptionally creative tale and look forward to bringing this ever further to life."
