LeVar Burton has signed on to play a key role in the upcoming Nancy Drew spinoff series, Tom Swift. Burton will provide the voice for Tom Swift's trusted AI companion, Barclay. Barclay is described by Deadline as being the main character's hype man, confidante and best friend who helps him solve mysteries with Nancy Drew. The series is currently in development at CW and will reportedly place Tian Richards in the role of Tom Swift.
Burton is one of the busier names in Hollywood at the moment. Burton recently played the role of Alderman Jackson Mayfield in Laurence Fishburne and Larenz Tate's audio series, Bronzeville. Partnering with Fable, he also recently launched a virtual book club. The first selection for the group is James Baldwin's classic work, Go Tell It On The Mountain. Most importantly, the veteran actor landed an opportunity to guest host Jeopardy. Burton joins a list of accomplished guest hosts that includes Aaron Rodgers, Joe Buck, Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos.
Burton's introduction into the Nancy Drew universe is the latest news from the CW this month. The cable network is also planning to revive the classic game show, Legends of the Hidden Temple. Rounding out the network's upcoming slate, it is also expected to bring back All-American for a fourth season and Black Lightning will wrap up after four seasons. Not to mention, the network is putting together an All-American spinoff series set at an HBCU. It will follow the story of Geffri Maya's character, Simone Hicks, as she pursues a collegiate tennis career.
At this time, there is no word as to when the Tom Swift spinoff series will air on the CW.
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