Michiel Huisman, the Dutch actor known for his roles in international hits like Game of Thrones and The Flight Attendant, is set to star opposite Taylor Schilling in NBC’s upcoming crime pilot, What The Dead Realize. The project, hailing from Dick Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, marks another significant step in Huisman’s increasingly prominent career in American television. This casting signals a continued trend of established international talent finding success within the competitive landscape of US network programming.
The pilot centers around Ava Ledger, portrayed by Schilling, a uniquely gifted forensic scientist with an exceptional ability to connect with the deceased. Though, her talent for understanding those who have passed doesn’t necessarily translate to navigating the complexities of the living. Ava collaborates with the New York Police Department to tackle their most challenging cases, and Huisman will play William Grant, an experienced NYPD detective specializing in homicide investigations. The dynamic between these two characters, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist and a pragmatic, black-and-white thinking detective, promises a compelling central conflict within the series.
Huisman’s journey to this role has been marked by a deliberate expansion beyond his early success in the Netherlands. He first gained recognition in his home country with the popular television series Costa!, but quickly set his sights on international opportunities. His breakthrough came in 2014 with a recurring role as Cal Morrison in the Canadian science fiction thriller Orphan Black, a performance that showcased his versatility and ability to handle complex characters. That same year, he joined the cast of HBO’s globally acclaimed fantasy drama, Game of Thrones, taking over the role of Daario Naharis, further solidifying his international profile.
From Dutch Television to Global Recognition
Born in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on July 13, 1981, Michiel Huisman’s early career focused on Dutch-language television and film. He appeared in several Dutch productions before making the leap to English-language roles. His performance in Game of Thrones, a series that captivated audiences worldwide, significantly raised his profile and opened doors to a wider range of opportunities in Hollywood. Following his time on Game of Thrones, Huisman continued to build a diverse filmography, demonstrating his range across genres.
In 2015, he appeared alongside Blake Lively in the romantic fantasy film The Age of Adaline, playing the character Ellis Jones. Since then, Huisman has consistently taken on roles in high-profile projects, including the critically acclaimed horror series The Haunting of Hill House, the action-comedy The Flight Attendant, and the psychological thriller Angela Black. He also starred in the action sci-fi film Echo 3, a series that premiered on Apple TV+, and more recently, took on a role in Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon.
Rebel Moon and Continued Career Momentum
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon, released in late 2023, received mixed reviews from critics, as reported by RTL Boulevard. Despite the critical reception, Huisman himself has expressed a positive outlook on the project, viewing it as a significant step in his international career. He has spoken openly about the experience and its importance to his professional growth. The film, a space opera aiming to be a sprawling science fiction saga, represents a different type of role for Huisman, showcasing his willingness to embrace ambitious and large-scale productions.
The involvement of Dick Wolf Entertainment in What The Dead Know is particularly noteworthy. Wolf Entertainment is the production company behind the long-running and highly successful Law & Order franchise, as well as other popular crime dramas. The company, led by Dick Wolf, has a proven track record of creating compelling and enduring television series. In March 2026, Deadline reported that Wolf Entertainment is bolstering its podcast business with a new hire, Stephen Michael, indicating the company’s continued expansion into new media formats.
The Evolving Landscape of Procedural Drama
The success of the Law & Order franchise, including the historic naming of Michele Fazekas as showrunner for Law & Order: SVU as reported by Deadline, demonstrates the enduring appeal of the procedural drama format. What The Dead Know, with its unique premise and the pairing of Huisman and Schilling, aims to capitalize on this popularity while offering a fresh perspective within the genre. The series’ focus on a forensic scientist who can communicate with the deceased introduces a supernatural element that sets it apart from traditional crime procedurals.
The casting of Huisman and Schilling suggests NBC is aiming for a high-quality production with strong acting talent. Schilling, known for her critically acclaimed performance in Orange Is the New Black, brings a proven track record of captivating audiences. Huisman’s international appeal and versatility further enhance the project’s potential for success. The combination of a compelling premise, established talent, and the backing of a powerhouse production company like Dick Wolf Entertainment positions What The Dead Know as a promising contender in the upcoming television season.
Key Takeaways
- Michiel Huisman has been cast in the lead male role in NBC’s upcoming crime pilot, What The Dead Know, alongside Taylor Schilling.
- The series is produced by Dick Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, known for the Law & Order franchise.
- Huisman’s career has seen a steady rise from Dutch television to international recognition with roles in Game of Thrones, The Flight Attendant, and Rebel Moon.
- The pilot’s premise centers around a forensic scientist with the ability to communicate with the deceased and her collaboration with an NYPD detective.
As of March 10, 2026, What The Dead Know remains in the pilot stage. Further updates regarding its potential series order and premiere date are expected from NBC and Dick Wolf Entertainment in the coming months. Fans of both actors and the crime drama genre will be watching closely for news on this promising new project.
What are your thoughts on this casting? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and colleagues!
Related reading