The upcoming Prime Video series Scarpetta, an adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling Kay Scarpetta novels, has generated significant buzz since its announcement. With Nicole Kidman starring as the titular forensic pathologist and Jamie Lee Curtis as her sister Dorothy, the series promises to bring the gritty, emotionally complex world of Cornwell’s novels to the small screen. Adding to the anticipation, a recent casting announcement revealed that Charlie B. Foster, the son of acclaimed actress Jodie Foster, has joined the cast in a recurring role as Wingo, a morgue assistant. This development, reported by Deadline on March 7, 2025, has sparked curiosity about both the series and Foster’s involvement. This article explores the details of Scarpetta, its star-studded cast, the significance of Charlie B. Foster’s casting, and the broader context of the production, while addressing why this series is poised to be a standout in 2026.

The Scarpetta Series: An Overview

Scarpetta is a mystery-thriller series based on Patricia Cornwell’s iconic Kay Scarpetta novels, which began with Postmortem in 1990 and now span 28 books, with Sharp Force slated for release in October 2025. The series follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant forensic pathologist inspired by former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Marcella Farinelli Fierro. Kay uses advanced forensic technology to solve complex crimes, often navigating gruesome cases while grappling with intricate personal and professional relationships. The show, greenlit for two seasons by Prime Video, is set to premiere in the first quarter of 2026 (January–March), with filming having wrapped in Nashville in March 2025 after starting in October 2024.

The series is produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon MGM Studios, in association with Kidman’s Blossom Films and Curtis’s Comet Pictures. Liz Sarnoff, known for Barry and Lost, serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, while David Gordon Green (Halloween, Stronger) directs the first two episodes. The production boasts an impressive roster of executive producers, including Kidman, Curtis, Cornwell, Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, Chris McCumber, Per Saari, and Amy Sayres.

The official logline describes Scarpetta as a story following Kay Scarpetta (Kidman), the Chief Medical Examiner, as she returns to Virginia to resume her former position, dealing with complex relationships, including with her sister Dorothy (Curtis), and uncovering grudges and secrets. The series promises a blend of forensic intrigue, emotional depth, and family drama, distinguishing it from typical crime procedurals by focusing on Kay’s internal conflicts and the toll of her work.

Charlie B. Foster’s Casting: A New Talent Joins the Morgue

The casting of Charlie B. Foster as Wingo, a morgue assistant, adds an intriguing layer to Scarpetta. Reported by Deadline and Cinema Express on March 7, 2025, Foster, the son of Jodie Foster, has already filmed three of his four episodes, indicating a significant recurring role. Wingo, described as an assistant in the morgue, is a character who supports Kay Scarpetta’s forensic investigations, likely providing technical assistance and occasional levity in the high-stakes environment of the medical examiner’s office.

Charlie B. Foster is an emerging actor with a modest but growing resume. His previous credits include roles in HBO’s The Garcias and The Ha Festival, as well as the film Nyad, where he appeared alongside his mother, Jodie Foster, who played Bonnie Stoll. He has also contributed to podcasts such as Popcorn for Dinner (Apple), The Coldest Case (Audible), and Supreme (iHeart). His role in Scarpetta marks his first major television role, and the connection to Jodie Foster has drawn attention, given her status as a Hollywood icon and her absence from Wimbledon 2025, which sparked unrelated speculation about her personal life.

Foster’s casting is notable not only for his familial ties but also for the symbolic resonance of his involvement. Jodie Foster, a two-time Oscar winner, has a history of supporting her sons’ creative endeavors, as seen when she attended the Sundance premiere of ALOK, a short film directed by Alexandra Hedison, her wife. Charlie’s role in Scarpetta could be seen as a continuation of this supportive dynamic, with his mother’s industry connections potentially opening doors. However, his prior acting credits suggest he is carving his own path, and his role as Wingo is likely to showcase his ability to hold his own among a powerhouse cast.

The Star-Studded Cast of Scarpetta

Scarpetta boasts an ensemble cast that elevates its status as a must-watch series. Alongside Kidman as Kay Scarpetta and Curtis as Dorothy, the main cast includes:

Ariana DeBose as Lucy Farinelli-Watson, Dorothy’s daughter, a recurring character in Cornwell’s novels known for her intelligence and complex personal life.

Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino, a former detective with a rough-around-the-edges demeanor.

Simon Baker as Benton Wesley, an FBI profiler who works closely with Kay.

Rosy McEwen as Past Kay Scarpetta, depicting the younger version of Kidman’s character.

Jake Cannavale as Past Pete Marino, Bobby Cannavale’s real-life son, adding a meta layer to the casting.

Hunter Parrish as Past Benton Wesley, rounding out the flashback characters.

Recurring roles include Sosie Bacon as Abby Turnball, a prize-winning reporter; Amanda Righetti as Past Dorothy; Janet Montgomery as Janet, Lucy’s wife; Stephanie Faracy as Maggie, Kay’s inherited assistant; Mike Vogel as city attorney Bill Boltz; Tiya Sircar as Blaise Fruge, a policewoman; Anna Diop as Sierra “Tron” Patron, an FBI cyber investigator; Graham Phillips as Past Matt Petersen; and Georgia King as Past Maggie Cutbush.

This ensemble, combining Oscar winners, Emmy nominees, and rising stars, underscores the series’ ambition to deliver a high-caliber adaptation. The inclusion of younger versions of key characters suggests a narrative that will explore Kay’s past, adding depth to her character and the relationships that define her life.

The Significance of Charlie B. Foster’s Role

Charlie B. Foster’s casting as Wingo is significant for several reasons. First, it introduces a fresh face to a high-profile project, offering Foster an opportunity to gain visibility in a competitive industry. His role as a morgue assistant places him in close proximity to Kidman’s Kay Scarpetta, potentially allowing for meaningful character interactions that highlight his acting chops. Wingo, though not a central figure in Cornwell’s novels, is a supporting character who contributes to the forensic process, and Foster’s portrayal could add a unique dynamic to the series’ intense atmosphere.

Second, Foster’s connection to Jodie Foster adds a layer of intrigue. While Jodie Foster is not directly involved in Scarpetta, her influence as a mentor and industry figure is undeniable. Her son’s casting could be seen as a nod to her legacy, especially given her own history with crime dramas like The Silence of the Lambs. However, Charlie’s prior work in Nyad and other projects indicates he is not merely riding on his mother’s coattails but building his own career.

Finally, the casting reflects the series’ commitment to blending established stars with emerging talent. By including actors like Foster alongside heavyweights like Kidman and Curtis, Scarpetta aims to appeal to a broad audience while fostering new talent. This approach aligns with the show’s goal of honoring Cornwell’s novels while making the story accessible to new viewers.

The Journey to the Screen

The road to adapting Scarpetta has been long and winding. Previous attempts to bring Kay Scarpetta to the screen included a potential film in the 1990s with Demi Moore and another in 2009 with Angelina Jolie, both of which failed to materialize. The current iteration began in 2021 when Curtis’s Comet Pictures and Blumhouse Television secured the rights to Cornwell’s novels. In February 2023, Kidman and Curtis were announced as leads and executive producers, marking a significant milestone. The series was officially greenlit for two seasons in September 2024, with filming commencing shortly after.

Kidman has expressed a personal connection to the project, noting in a Vanity Fair interview that she has been pursuing Scarpetta for nearly 20 years, initially as a feature film. She described the scripts as “terrifying” in a positive sense, highlighting their intensity and quality. Curtis, meanwhile, emphasized the emotional weight of playing Kay’s sister, Dorothy, and the joy of collaborating with Kidman. Author Patricia Cornwell has praised the casting, calling Kidman and Curtis’s involvement “humbling and simply awesome.”

Why Scarpetta Stands Out

Scarpetta is poised to distinguish itself in the crowded field of crime dramas. Unlike lighter procedurals like Bones, which some fans compare it to, Scarpetta leans into a darker, more introspective tone, blending southern gothic elements with forensic precision. The series’ focus on Kay’s emotional struggles—balancing her professional brilliance with personal turmoil—sets it apart from typical whodunits. As Soap Central notes, the show is as much about “what we carry, what we bury, and what it costs to face both” as it is about solving crimes.

The casting of Kidman, a versatile actress known for Big Little Lies and The Undoing, and Curtis, fresh off an Emmy win for The Bear, adds star power that elevates the series’ profile. However, some fans on platforms like Reddit have expressed skepticism about Kidman’s casting, arguing that her physicality and demeanor don’t match the book’s depiction of Kay as a short, Italian-American woman. Others, however, believe her acting prowess will overcome these concerns, citing her ability to inhabit complex roles.

Charlie B. Foster’s addition to the cast further enhances the series’ appeal, offering a fresh perspective and a connection to Jodie Foster’s legacy. His role as Wingo, though supporting, could provide a grounded counterpoint to the high-stakes drama, potentially resonating with viewers who appreciate the human elements of Cornwell’s stories.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for Scarpetta

With a premiere expected in early 2026, Scarpetta is shaping up to be a major event for Prime Video. The series’ two-season order reflects confidence in its potential, and the involvement of industry heavyweights like Kidman, Curtis, and Blumhouse ensures a high-quality production. The addition of Charlie B. Foster to the cast adds an intriguing dimension, blending new talent with established stars in a way that mirrors the series’ balance of legacy and innovation.

For fans of Cornwell’s novels, Scarpetta represents the culmination of decades of anticipation, while for new viewers, it offers a compelling entry into a world of forensic intrigue and family drama. As the series prepares to debut, all eyes will be on Kidman, Curtis, and newcomers like Foster to see if they can bring Cornwell’s beloved characters to life. With its rich source material, stellar cast, and ambitious creative team, Scarpetta is poised to make a lasting impact.