ABC is continuing to round out the cast of its upcoming pilot The Rookie: North, and a fresh face is officially in the mix. Newcomer Malik Watson has joined the series-regular ensemble alongside previously announced additions Froy Gutierrez, Janet Montgomery, Karen Fukuhara, and Mya Lowe. The group stars opposite Jay Ellis, who leads the potential spinoff.
While Watson may be new to many viewers, he’s already familiar with the franchise. The actor previously appeared in an episode of The Rookie, where he played Leshawn Wilkes in an episode.
The project comes from franchise creator Alexi Hawley, who wrote the script and will direct the pilot.
The Rookie: North follows Alex Holland (Ellis), a man who never thought he’d have a midlife crisis. But after surviving a violent home invasion, he finds new purpose and leaves Los Angeles behind to join the Pierce County Police Department in Washington — becoming the department’s oldest rookie.
Trading the urban coast for dense forests and wide-open terrain, Alex must convince a skeptical training officer, his fellow recruits, and himself that he’s finally committed to something that matters.
Who’s playing who
- Janet Montgomery plays Charlotte Dru, Alex’s training officer — a former military police officer known for her discipline, precision, and unexpectedly sharp humor.
- Mya Lowe is Elora Howe, a rookie clinging to a newfound sense of purpose and hoping it’s real.
- Malik Watson portrays Mark Lewis, Elora’s training officer, described as tough and unpolished but exactly who you want arriving when things go left.
- Froy Gutierrez plays Odell Chance, a naturally gifted recruit who has excelled at everything so far but has yet to face a true test.
- Karen Fukuhara is Leah Mizuno, Odell’s training officer, who chose policing despite coming from a culture of high-achieving expectations — and genuinely loves the job.
The pilot is scheduled to shoot in Vancouver this month.
Unlike the earlier expansion The Rookie: Feds, this project is being developed as a standalone effort and will not be introduced through the flagship series The Rookie. With the show targeting next season, there are currently no plans for Ellis to appear on the original drama in the meantime.
Lionsgate and 20th Television will produce. Hawley executive produces through Perfectman Pictures, alongside Nathan Fillion, Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross, and Michelle Chapman.