FREEFORM ANNOUNCES MARCH 18 PREMIERE DATE FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SERIES 'MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM'

NEW TRAILER, KEY ART AND GALLERY IMAGES RELEASED

At today's Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, Freeform announced WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 (9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), as the premiere date for the highly anticipated new drama "Motherland: Fort Salem," from creator and executive producer Eliot Laurence ("Claws") and executive producers Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick. The network also released a new trailer, key art and gallery art for the series.

Set in an alternate, present-day America where witches ended their persecution 300 years ago by cutting a deal with the burgeoning U.S. government to fight for their country, "Motherland: Fort Salem" follows three young women from basic training in combat magic into terrifying and thrilling early deployment. In this world, the traditional roles of gender and power are flipped, with women on the front lines fighting looming terrorist threats that are strikingly familiar to our world, but with supernatural tactics and weapons.

Taylor Hickson ("Deadly Class") portrays Raelle, a reluctant recruit with major authority issues whose mother recently died in the line of duty. Jessica Sutton ("The Kissing Booth") is Tally, a kind, strong-willed and curious witch who enlisted despite her mother's passionate disapproval. Ashley Nicole Williams plays Abigail, an unquestionably alpha, smart, driven and courageous witch who hails from the upper echelons of military witch society and is excited to be joining the ranks of the witches' army. Amalia Holm ("Playground") rounds out the young witch recruits playing Scylla, a playful yet dark and mischievous recruit who is not what she appears to be. Demetria McKinney ("The Saints and Sinners") plays Anacostia, a tough but wryly humorous drill sergeant whose chief concern is keeping the young recruits alive through basic training. Lyne Renee ("Deep State") recurs as General Sarah Alder, the highest-ranking officer in the Armed Forces and the only leader the witches have ever known.

The ten-episode, one-hour drama is written and created by Eliot Laurence and produced by Freeform Studios, Gary Sanchez Productions and McKay's new multiplatform company, Hyperobject Industries. Gary Sanchez Productions recently produced "Vice," which was nominated for eight Academy Awards(R), and most recently, McKay and Messick received Golden Globes for Best Drama Series for "Succession." Eliot Laurence, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Kevin Messick, Maria Maggenti and Steven Adelson serve as executive producers on the series. The pilot was directed by Steven A. Adelson ("Riverdale," "Siren").

About Freeform

Freeform connects to audiences with bold original programming and immersive social engagement that moves the cultural conversation a little forward. As Walt Disney Television's young adult television network, Freeform channels the force and momentum of its audience in its quest for progress with authentic, groundbreaking original series such as "grown-ish," "The Bold Type," "Good Trouble," "Siren," "Party of Five," "Motherland: Fort Salem" and "Everything's Gonna Be Okay." The network also programs tentpole events such as "31 Nights of Halloween," "Kick Off to Christmas" and "25 Days of Christmas."

About Hyperobject Industries

Hyperobject Industries is a multi-platform production company from Academy-Award winning writer-director-producer Adam McKay. The company's name is a shout-out to environmental philosopher Timothy Morton's use of the term 'hyperobject' and his belief that humankind needs to re-evaluate its relationship with nature as a whole. The team includes McKay's longtime producer Kevin Messick and producers Betsy Koch and Todd Schulman. Hyperobject Industries's focus is wide ranging from comedies, dramas, horror, documentaries and documentaries-series as well as politically charged and challenging subjects with which McKay has become synonymous. Television projects include the previously announced HBO limited series, chronicling the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers as well as a limited series based on Miami Herald investigative reporter Julie K. Brown's upcoming book about Jeffrey Epstein. McKay and Messick continue to serve as Executive Producers on HBO's critically acclaimed and Golden Globe-winning series Succession, which will head into production this year for its third season.