Chapter Text
Prologue
And in TV news, the announcement of the cast of the new series #drumbeat. The love story of Jack and Riley has been anticipated for months after an outline of Season 1 of the script was leaked online last June. Creator Jayden Mayfair says, ‘At its heart, #drumbeat is a love story, and how that might be negotiated when you come from two different worlds, especially when the harsh light of the public glare falls on you. We’ve been looking for our perfect Jack and Riley and we’ve found them.’
‘We are so delighted to announce that the role of Jack Winter will be played by relative newcomer, Charlie Spring. Charlie, 19, is best known for his role in the political thriller, Abomination, where he played a child activist caught up in a plot to overthrow the government. While not the lead, the role was pivotal and made a long lasting impression on the critics.
Our Riley Golden will be played by Nick Nelson, 21, famous for his portrayal of Sammy Peters in Netflix’s adaptation of Hills High, the YA drama series that sparked a whole new genre of YA drama. This will mark his transition into adult roles. And into playing a queer character. ‘Nick was pretty much our first choice for Riley,’ Jayden adds. ‘He has that same energy. You want to trust him as soon as you see him. Perfect for Riley.’
Season 1 starts filming next month and should be on our screens next summer.
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Charlie, you got the role!
You’re kidding? Seriously?
Seriously. They said that you and Nick steamed up the chemistry read. They think the two of you will nail the love story.
But...Nick Nelson? I thought it was going to be Ben. Me and Nick...I don’t think...
They didn’t like Ben, Charlie, they wanted the chemistry you and Nick have.
Okay. Okay.
You don’t sound happy
I am, I am, just… never mind.
Charlie sighs, knowing he and Ben are never going to survive this.
But if he’s honest with himself, there’s a sense of relief attached to that thought.
Still, Nick Nelson…danger, danger, danger.
~~~
Nick, you got Riley! Call me back!
Nick?
Nick?
Answer me, fucker! Call me back
Sorry, I was busy. That’s good news. Who is Jack?
One guess. Who did you steam up the screen with in the chem read?
Charlie? Fuck.
Problem?
Nope. I just don’t think he likes me.
Rubbish. I’ll send over the papers. Be prepared for some publicity.
Yep.
This is good news, Nick. Wake the fuck up!
Charlie Spring, huh? Well, that’s going to be interesting.
Nick doesn’t doubt his acting, but…still, if the chem read was any indication… Charlie Spring…might just fuck him up.
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Announcement tweets
@charliespring … so excited to be able to bring jack winter to life. looking forward to meeting all the other cast members too. especially looking forward to working with nick nelson. yum. can i say that? #drumbeat
...@nicknelson… Winter being bought to life by a Spring? Is that destiny? And yes, yes you can. Any time, in any universe ❤ #jackandriley
@nicknelson... Looks like Charlie Spring and I are going to get very well acquainted in the coming months (years). Riley Golden and Jack Winter are going to warm your hearts. Very excited! #drumbeat
...@charliespring... nicholas nelson, just how well acquainted are we talking? whats the rating on this thing again? can’t wait. 😉 #jackandriley
...@nicknelson … Have you read the script, mate? #notpg
...@charliespring … did you just ‘mate’ me? #bf <3 <3
...@nicknelson …Sorry darling #offtoagreatstartthen
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Fan Tweets to@charliespring @nicknelson
…not Nick and Charlie flirting already? Ngl I’m here for it #drumbeat
…narlie?
…we’re giving them a ship name already? #drumbeat
…don’t ship rl!!! #drumbeat
…who r u?
…wait @nicknelson don’t you have a girlfriend? #isflirtingok #drumbeat
…he does? Who?
…Can’t wait to see you two bring Jack and Riley to life #drumbeat
…Jack and Riley need a ship name too. jari? anyone? #drumbeat
…another straight playing gay for pay. Ffs tired of it
…what difference does it make? They’re acting!
…why didn’t ben get the role anyway? Isnt he dating charlie?
…clearly there is someone better, ben. #knowitsyou
…nn better watch himself. cs is a needy whiny useless piece of trash
…this you too @benhope ? Wanker. Sour grapes much?
…@benhope… truth hurts, huh?
…@nicknelson to @benhope Seriously, mate? Charlie has more class in his little finger than you’ll ever have in your whole body.
…yeah fuck off ben.
…no one needs a psychotic sore loser, ben
…or a narcissistic arsehole (lots of s’s in there…)
~~~