At an upfronts presentation on Thursday, May 17, The CW released the trailer for its much-talked about reboot of Charmed.
The original series revolved around three sister witches, “The Charmed Ones,” and aired on The CW’s precursor The WB from 1998-2006.
This new, “diverse” reboot consists of actresses of Latina descent and a black actor as one of the love interests.
The eldest and focal point of the trio of sisters is Macy, portrayed by Afro-Latina actress Madeline Mantock. Ser’Darius Blain also stars as her filmmaker boyfriend, Galvin.
Sarah Jeffrey and Melonie Diaz portray the two other sisters, Melanie and Maggie. Rupert Evans, Charlie Gillespie and Ellen Tamaki round out the cast.
Macy is described as a “practical, driven, and brilliant geneticist who has her world blown open when she discovers that the supernatural world is all too real.”
Here’s the official description of the series: “Stronger together.” That’s what Marisol tells her daughters, firebrand social justice warrior Melanie “Mel” Vera, and her sister, fun-loving Maggie, about their family. Mel is a graduate student in the women’s studies department her mother heads at Hilltowne University; Maggie is a freshman considering rushing a sorority (to Mel’s amused dismay) and going “on” again with her on-again off-again boyfriend Brian. But then, a shocking tragedy shatters their world and threatens their sibling bond: Marisol dies in a horrifying accident. Or was it? Three months later, we find Mel unable to accept the official explanation of their mother’s death, while Maggie accuses her of being morbidly obsessed. And then, another huge shock shows up at their front door: they have an older sister, brilliant geneticist Macy, whom their mother kept a secret all these years! Macy is new in town and doesn’t know a soul (except for Galvin, the cute fellow scientist who’s been showing her around). Macy is eager to connect with Mel and Maggie, but Mel can’t handle another shock and shuts her out. With the emotions of all three sisters running high, each of the girls suddenly exhibit impossible new abilities: Mel can freeze time, Maggie starts hearing others’ thoughts and Macy has telekinetic powers. But don’t worry, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation… or so says Harry Greenwood (who as far as they know is the officious new chair of the women’s studies department), when he gathers the three sisters together to reveal they’re actually powerful witches, as was their mother. And he’s not really a professor, he’s their “Whitelighter,” a witch’s advisor and guide! Not only that, but Mel was right: their mother’s death was no accident – she was murdered by unknown dark forces. It’s a lot to take in, but ultimately the sisters accept their new destiny as The Charmed Ones… and their new duty to protect humankind from the demons that walk among us… one of whom killed their mother. With the Power of Three, they are stronger together… even if they have no idea what they’re really up against.
Watch the trailer below:
The new Charmed is based on a story by Jennie Urman, creator of The CW’s Jane the Virgin.
