We already know that the vast majority of the original film cast will be returning for Netflix’s Wet Hot American Summer series, now entitled Wet Hot American Summer: The First Day. And today we’re hearing that the series has added some pretty hefty names to an already impressive list that includes Bradley Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, and Paul Rudd. The latest additions come in the form of Kristen Wiig, Chris Pine, Jon Hamm, and Jason Schwartzman.
According to Deadline (via Collider), Hamm will join the cast as “a secret spy,” with Wiig coming on board as a rival counselor at Camp Tigerclaw. Schwartzman will be playing a head camp counselor, and Pine…well, Pine’s character is “mysterious.” How much mystery can one have at a summer camp?
While these additions are certainly welcome, those are some very odd character descriptions. It does make one wonder what sort of a show this will be, with the appearance of secret spies and mysterious gentlemen. The rival camp idea is a bit more in keeping with the nature of the original film, although I guess that anything goes with this one. It’s hard to argue against finding space for these actors, though, so I hope the show does them justice (and gives them something worthwhile to do). It would be a shame to waste all that talent.
The series is based on the original 2001 film Wet Hot American Summer, set during the last day of the summer at Camp Firewood. As this outing is being subtitled The First Day, I guess that we’ve come around the bend and are starting summer camp all over again.
Wet Hot American Summer: The First Day will come to Netflix in the Summer of 2015. Get excited.