Welcome to Project Casting, your backstage pass to the most buzzworthy new productions. Our featured series this week is BET, Netflix’s 2025 teen thriller where gambling rules a global elite boarding school. If you’re an actor drawn to high-stakes drama, read on to discover the creative minds behind it, the production setup, and how you might get involved.
Plot & Premise
BET is a Western reimagining of the popular Japanese manga Kakegurui, brought to life by creator Simon Barry. The story unfolds at St. Dominic’s Prep, an elite academy where students wager their social ranks in high-stakes gambling matches. At the center is Yumeko, a mysterious new transfer student with unmatched gambling instincts. Her arrival shakes the very foundation of the school’s hierarchy as she challenges the powerful Student Council and secretly seeks revenge for the death of her parents.
Origin & Creative Team
While inspired by Kakegurui, BET stands firmly on its own with a bold new aesthetic and tone. The series is helmed by Simon Barry, known for his work on Warrior Nun and Continuum. The show is produced by Boat Rocker Studios, with executive producers including Barry, David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg, Nick Nantell, and Jeff F. King, among others. Their collective experience brings intense storytelling and stylish visuals to the screen.
Filming & Production Office
Filming for BET took place entirely in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Shooting began in May 2024 and wrapped in early August. The historic and atmospheric University of Toronto campus served as the backdrop for St. Dominic’s Prep. The series was developed under Boat Rocker Studios, headquartered in Toronto, where many of the production elements were coordinated.
Cast Highlights
The series stars Miku Martineau as Yumeko Kawamoto, whose calculated risk-taking and mysterious past drive the show’s suspense. She is joined by a rising ensemble cast including:
- Ayo Solanke as Ryan
- Eve Edwards as Mary
- Clara Alexandrova as Kira
- Hunter Cardinal as Michael
- Anwen O’Driscoll as Riri
- Aviva Mongillo as Dori
- Ryan Sutherland as Suki
Casting Directors Behind BET
The casting of BET was entrusted to two seasoned professionals in the entertainment industry: Larissa Mair and Colleen Rush. Their combined expertise helped shape a fresh, diverse cast that brings intensity and authenticity to the high-stakes world of St. Dominic’s Prep.
Larissa Mair is a Canadian casting director with over 20 years of experience in film, television, commercials, audiobooks, and theater. With roots tracing back to Karachi, Pakistan, and Aberdeen, Scotland, Larissa brings a globally informed and inclusion-driven approach to casting. She has built her reputation on her keen eye for talent and her dedication to ensuring a wide range of voices are represented onscreen.
Colleen Rush, who also shares casting director duties on BET, is best known for her work on Run the Burbs (2022), Shelved (2023), and Simulant (2023). Her track record includes both comedy and science fiction, making her well-equipped to bring a layered, genre-bending project like BET to life. Colleen’s work is known for discovering fresh faces and aligning character essence with actor nuance.
Together, Mair and Rush have assembled a cast that blends new talent with emotional depth, aligning perfectly with the show’s thrilling tone and psychological edge.
Why BET Stands Out
BET brings visual flair, psychological tension, and intense character drama to a genre that’s often overlooked in Western television. From dramatic showdowns to flashy set design, the series blends anime-style intensity with live-action grit. The show doesn’t just offer compelling characters—it explores themes of power, control, and rebellion in a tightly wound academic environment.
Stay Connected with Project Casting
Looking to audition for a role or stay in the casting loop for BET and similar Netflix originals? Project Casting is your go-to hub for casting updates, industry news, and upcoming job opportunities.
For casting calls related to BET, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as jobs become available.
