RJ Decker: ABC’s New Crime Drama Pilot Starring Scott Speedman
ABC is diving into the colorful and crime-filled world of Carl Hiaasen with its upcoming pilot RJ Decker, a drama that blends satire, mystery, and quirky South Florida chaos. Based on Hiaasen’s 1987 novel Double Whammy, the project promises a mix of sharp storytelling and offbeat humor that could make it a standout in the network’s lineup.
The Story Behind RJ Decker
At the heart of the series is RJ Decker, played by Scott Speedman (Felicity, Grey’s Anatomy, Animal Kingdom). Once a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con, Decker reinvents himself as a private investigator. His new career thrusts him into South Florida’s strangest corners, where cases range from slightly odd to completely bizarre.
But Decker doesn’t go it alone. He’s joined by his journalist ex, her police detective wife, and a mysterious benefactor from his past. While these allies provide support, they also complicate his path, particularly the benefactor, who might be his greatest ally—or the reason he lands back in prison.
Cast and Characters
Scott Speedman leads the series as the flawed yet compelling RJ Decker. He’s joined by Weruche Opia, who has signed on in a series regular role. While details about her character remain under wraps, her addition signals the show’s commitment to strong supporting players. Additional casting announcements are expected if the pilot moves forward into a full series.
The Creative Team
RJ Decker comes from an impressive creative lineup. Rob Doherty, the creator of Elementary, serves as writer and executive producer. Paul McGuigan, known for directing episodes of Sherlock and films like Lucky Number Slevin, is attached as both director and executive producer. Author Carl Hiaasen is also on board as an executive producer, ensuring the adaptation stays true to his distinct satirical voice. The series is produced by 20th Television for ABC, with the potential to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally if picked up.
Casting Directors
Casting for RJ Decker is being overseen by industry professionals including Jasmin Downs, who is known for her work in the casting department on projects like Silo (2023), The Hunting Party (2025), and Rewind (2014). With experience across major productions as both a casting professional and producer, Downs brings a sharp eye for talent to the series. Her involvement suggests that RJ Decker will feature not only strong leads but also a diverse and dynamic supporting cast that captures the eccentricity of Carl Hiaasen’s South Florida world.
Filming and Production Status
Production on the RJ Decker pilot is currently underway in Wilmington, North Carolina, where local streets and venues have been transformed into Hiaasen’s South Florida setting. The pilot is ABC’s first greenlit project of 2025, a strong indication of the network’s confidence in the series. If the pilot is successful and ordered to series, fans can expect a premiere sometime in 2026.
Why RJ Decker Could Stand Out
What makes RJ Decker unique is its source material. Carl Hiaasen’s novels are beloved for their sharp wit, satirical edge, and eccentric characters, all set against the backdrop of Florida’s unpredictable culture. The adaptation has the potential to appeal to fans of shows like Justified, Dexter, and Elementary, where crime-solving meets layered storytelling and complex characters.
With Speedman’s star power, Doherty’s storytelling chops, McGuigan’s directorial flair, and Jasmin Downs’ casting expertise, RJ Decker could easily become a fresh favorite for viewers looking for something edgier than the standard crime drama.
Casting Opportunities
While the lead roles are already locked in, the pilot’s filming in Wilmington has opened the door for extras and background performers. If ABC orders the show to series, there will likely be additional casting opportunities for both actors and crew as production ramps up.
ABC ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Art Students
College-Aged Artists for TV Background Role
Job Description
A television production is seeking college-aged artists to work as paid background extras in Wilmington, North Carolina. This role is ideal for students and creatives with experience in artistic mediums like painting, drawing, sculpting, and more. Talent should be ready to portray art students on camera and follow wardrobe guidance provided by production.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a college-aged art student in background scenes
- Bring natural, believable classroom/creative energy on camera
- Follow direction from the production team and maintain continuity
- Be prepared for a full filming day and remain professional on set
Requirements
- Ages 18+
- Any gender and any ethnicity
- Must have experience in an artistic medium (painting, drawing, sculpting, etc.)
- Must be able to provide your own wardrobe (guidelines provided if booked) or attend a fitting if needed
- Must be able to work in Wilmington, North Carolina
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours (guaranteed)
- Time-and-a-half for each hour after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Omari Blake
Omari Blake – Murder Victim (DPP Role)
Job Description
A television production is casting a DPP performer to portray Omari Blake, a murder victim in a dramatic scripted scene. This role requires an athletic build and comfort portraying intense subject matter in a professional production environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a murder victim in scripted scenes
- Follow detailed direction from the production team
- Maintain professionalism during dramatic filming
Requirements
- Male performer
- Any ethnicity
- Ages 18+
- Athletic build
- Comfortable with scripted violence
Compensation
- $96 for up to 8 hours
- Overtime paid after 8 hours
- $50 DPP bump
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Colorful Car Owners
Colorful Car Owners – Background Role
Job Description
A television production is seeking background performers with colorful, eye-catching cars for exterior scenes. These roles help create an energetic, visually engaging atmosphere.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear on camera with your vehicle in background scenes
- Follow direction from the assistant directors
- Maintain continuity during filming
Requirements
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Ages 18+
- Must own a colorful or visually interesting car
Compensation
- $96 for up to 8 hours
- Overtime paid after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Gym & Coffee Shop Patrons
Gym & Coffee Shop Patrons – Background Role
Job Description
A television production is casting background performers to portray gym members and coffee shop patrons. These roles help build authentic everyday environments on screen.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray gym or coffee shop patrons naturally
- Wear appropriate wardrobe provided by performer
- Follow on-set direction and blocking
Requirements
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Ages 18+
- Must provide gym attire and a separate coffee shop look
Compensation
- $96 for up to 8 hours
- Overtime paid after 8 hours
- $20 wardrobe/prop bump
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Car Detailer
Car Detailer – DPP Role
Job Description
A television production is seeking a DPP performer to portray a car detailer. This role benefits from real-world experience and adds authenticity to the scene.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a working car detailer on camera
- Perform realistic detailing actions
- Follow direction and maintain continuity
Requirements
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Ages 18+
- Experience in car detailing preferred
Compensation
- $96 for up to 8 hours
- Overtime paid after 8 hours
- DPP pay rate applied
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Neighbor
Onesie Neighbor – DPP Role
Job Description
A television production is casting a DPP performer to portray a quirky neighbor wearing a onesie. This role adds visual interest and personality to neighborhood scenes.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a neighbor character on camera
- Wear provided costume wardrobe
- Follow direction during filming
Requirements
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Ages 25+
- Accurate sizing required for wardrobe
Compensation
- $96 for up to 8 hours
- Overtime paid after 8 hours
- $50 DPP bump
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Blake Mom
Blake Mom – DPP Role
Job Description
A television production is seeking a DPP performer to portray Blake’s mother in a scripted scene. This role does not require relation to other cast members and focuses on emotional presence.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a mother character in scripted scenes
- Follow direction for emotional and dramatic moments
- Maintain professionalism on set
Requirements
- Female performer
- Any ethnicity
- Ages 40–60s
Compensation
- $96 for up to 8 hours
- Overtime paid after 8 hours
- $50 DPP bump
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for FL PERPS
Fort Lauderdale Perps (Paid Background Role)
Job Description
A production is casting paid background actors to portray perps in police station scenes. This is a great opportunity for talent looking for paid extras work, crime drama background roles, and non-speaking on-camera experience in a professional set environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a “perp” character in non-speaking police station scenes
- Follow direction from the background team and maintain continuity
- Arrive on time and remain available for the full filming window
- Wear your own wardrobe based on production-provided guidelines if booked
Requirements
- Ages 18+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Comfortable portraying a suspect/perp role on camera
- Able to complete the required application form and provide requested details
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Background Cars
Background Cars (Hospital & Gym Scenes)
Job Description
A scripted television series is casting background talent with vehicles for hospital and gym scenes. This role involves appearing in exterior and interior scenes to help create realistic environments. Talent must be comfortable being on set and following direction during filming.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear as background talent with your vehicle
- Participate in hospital and gym scene setups
- Follow on-set direction and timing cues
- Remain available for scheduled filming hours
Requirements
- Ages 18+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Must have a reliable vehicle
- Comfortable working on a TV set
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
- $20 car bump if selected
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Coffee Shop Extras
Coffee Shop Background Extras
Job Description
A television series is casting background talent to portray customers in coffee shop scenes. This role helps bring everyday realism to interior café settings and is ideal for performers looking to gain on-set experience.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear as a coffee shop customer in background scenes
- Follow direction from the production team
- Maintain continuity during filming
- Remain professional on set
Requirements
- Ages 18+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Comfortable working indoors on a TV set
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Coffee Shop Waitress
Coffee Shop Waitress Background Role
Job Description
A scripted television production is casting female background talent to portray a coffee shop waitress. This role involves light service-style movement and background interaction in a café setting.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a coffee shop waitress in background scenes
- Perform light, natural service movements
- Follow direction from assistant directors
- Maintain a professional appearance
Requirements
- Female performers
- Ages 18+
- Any ethnicity
- Experience helpful but not required
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for EMT
EMT Background Roles
Job Description
A television series is seeking background talent to portray EMTs in hospital-related scenes. These roles add realism to emergency and medical environments within the show.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray an EMT in scripted background scenes
- Take direction for medical and emergency setups
- Maintain professionalism in uniformed scenes
- Remain attentive during filming
Requirements
- Ages 25+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- No prior EMT experience required
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Hospital Café Extras
Hospital Café Background Extras
Job Description
A television production is casting background performers to appear in hospital café scenes. These roles help create authentic hospital environments through natural background action.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear as hospital café patrons
- Follow on-set direction
- Maintain continuity during filming
- Remain professional throughout shoot
Requirements
- Ages 18+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Comfortable working in hospital-style settings
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Doctor
Doctor Background Roles
Job Description
A scripted television series is casting background talent to portray doctors in hospital scenes. These roles involve wearing medical wardrobe and appearing in professional healthcare settings.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a doctor in hospital scenes
- Follow direction for medical blocking and movement
- Maintain a professional, calm presence on set
- Be available for multiple filming days if selected
Requirements
- Ages 25+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Medical experience preferred but not required
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Nurse
Nurse Background Roles
Job Description
A television production is seeking background talent to portray nurses in hospital scenes. These roles support realistic medical environments and patient care moments.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear as a nurse in scripted hospital scenes
- Follow on-set direction and medical-style movement
- Maintain continuity across scenes
- Be available for multiple filming days if needed
Requirements
- Ages 25+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Medical experience preferred but not required
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Casting Call for Patient
Patient Background Roles
Job Description
A scripted television series is casting background talent to portray patients in hospital scenes. These roles involve seated or light movement work to help create authentic medical environments.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a hospital patient in background scenes
- Follow direction from the production team
- Maintain continuity across takes
- Remain professional on set
Requirements
- Ages 18+
- Any gender, any ethnicity
- Comfortable working in hospital-themed scenes
Compensation
- $96 for 8 hours
- Time and a half after 8 hours
Stay Tuned: For the latest updates on RJ Decker casting calls and auditions, keep checking back with Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as new opportunities become available.
