WILMINGTON — Production offices are open in Wilmington for the series “RJ Decker,” which filmed its pilot episode in the area back in July. It was picked up for a full series at the end of September by ABC and will begin shooting next month across the region.
READ MORE: ‘Felicity’ star leads locally filmed ABC-produced pilot, extras needed
Eight to 10 episodes can be expected for the crime series, based on the novel “Double Whammy” from Carl Hiaasen. A lighthearted, hour-long crime drama, the storyline follows a private investigator who is also an ex-con and former, if not disgraced, newspaper photographer. Decker takes on bizarre cases in South Florida with a bevy of people from his past involved.
The series stars Scott Speedman (“Felicity,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) as the lead character, along with Kevin Rankin as Aloysius “Wish” Aiken, Adelaide Clemens as Catherine Delacroix, and Bevin Bru as Melody “Mel” Romero. Weruche Opia was cast in the role of Shay Bennett but is being replaced.
According to internal emails found in the county terminal, the series has to reshoot scenes at the New Hanover County Courthouse due to a recast. The communication also indicated the first day of filming is scheduled for Nov. 24, though executives met this week to visit locations.
When the pilot shot in the region, it had cameras rolling at Carolina Beach, near Seawitch Cafe and Tiki Bar, and in various other areas to capture scenes at a trailer park, hospital, restaurant and more.
“RJ Decker” is from Rob Doherty (“Elementary”), directed and produced by Paul McGuigan (“Sherlock,” “Elementary,” “Lucky Number Slevin”), and novelist Hiaasen is also an executive producer. The writer and former journalist has had his work already shown on the screen, in Apple TV’s “Bad Monkey,” starring Vince Vaughn — also renewed for another season.
According to multiple media reports, the “RJ Decker” series is slated to debut mid-season 2026.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
