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Zazie Beetz and Ben Foster Shock the Court in Paramount+ 'Discretion'

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 15, 2026
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Zazie Beetz and Ben Foster Shock the Court in Paramount+ 'Discretion'

Zazie Beetz, Ben Foster, Stella Baker and John Hoogenakker have been announced as recurring actors in the new Paramount+ legal thriller *Discretion*. The series, already led by Nicole Kidman, Fanning, Josh Lucas, Colton Ryan and Stephan James, will premiere in 2027.

Production is underway, with the eight‑episode drama expected to unfold over a single summer.

The show follows Lenny, a summer associate portrayed by Fanning, who discovers a network of nondisclosure agreements at a high‑profile Dallas law firm. When she realizes she signed one of those contracts, her investigations bring her into direct conflict with Sharon, the firm’s powerful female partner played by Kidman.

The narrative centers on questions of secrecy, power and the personal cost of truth.

## Background & Context

*Discretion* is adapted from a short story by bestselling author Chandler Baker. The series has been structured as an eight‑episode legal thriller. Baker herself serves as writer and executive producer, while Susannah Grant co‑produces the project.

A collaboration with A24 also backs the series, alongside multiple production partners.

The pilot and first four episodes will be directed by Matt Shakman, who also holds an executive producer credit. Shakman’s involvement signals a strong visual and narrative tone for the opening half of the season. The rest of the episode slate will be helmed by other directors under the same production umbrella.

Executive producing the series are a mix of talent‑development specialists: Kidman works alongside ; Fanning joins forces with Dakota Fanning, Brittany Kahan Ward of Lewellen Pictures, Joe Hipps of Cut To and Jordan Cerf of Linden Entertainment.

The partnership extends to a broader network that includes the creative minds behind *Blossom* and *A24* projects.

## What People Are Saying

Character descriptions for the new recurring roles remain under wraps, . Only broad character arcs have been hinted at in press releases, with no specific details disclosed. The cast list itself has generated buzz among fans of the actors’ previous work, yet no public statements from the actors about their roles have surfaced.

Production is currently underway on the Paramount+ set, with filming reports indicating a steady pace. No disruptions or delays have been publicly reported as of the latest update. The project’s expected premiere in 2027 places it in a competitive slate of upcoming streaming dramas.

Representatives for the new cast members have issued standard press statements confirming their participation.

Beetz is represented by WME, Entertainment 360 and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Foster is represented by Range Media Partners and Toczek Suddleson Law Group; Baker has representation through Gersh, Untitled Entertainment and United Management (Aus); Hoogenakker works with Industry Entertainment, Paradigm and Hanson Jacobson.

These details underscore the industry’s confidence in the series’ potential.

## What Happens Next

Filming is slated to continue into the remainder of the current season, with the final episodes in post‑production. Once editing completes, the series will move into a promotional phase aimed at building anticipation for its 2027 debut. No specific release date or marketing schedule has been announced.

The addition of these recurring actors expands the narrative scope of *Discretion*, potentially adding layers to the central conflict between Lenny and Sharon. As production progresses, details about the supporting characters are likely to surface through future press releases and promotional materials.

The series’ development team remains committed to delivering a nuanced legal drama that explores power dynamics within a high‑stakes corporate environment. With a strong cast and experienced production crew, *Discretion* is positioned to become a notable entry in the streaming landscape upon its arrival.

the new Paramount+ series has solidified its lineup with the addition of Beetz, Foster, Baker and Hoogenakker. Production moves forward under the guidance of seasoned creators, and audiences can expect a compelling legal thriller to hit screens in 2027.

Why It Matters

The addition of Zazie Beetz, Ben Foster, Stella Baker, and John Hoogenakker to Paramount+’s legal thriller *Discretion* signals a strategic move by the streaming platform to deepen its original content offering in a crowded drama market. By securing actors with diverse fan bases—Beetz’s indie‑drama credibility, Foster’s action‑comedy chops, Baker’s crossover appeal, and Hoogenakker’s international recognition—the series positions itself to attract a broad audience demographic. the casting aligns with the show’s thematic focus on secrecy and power dynamics within a high‑stakes corporate environment, as each actor brings a track record of nuanced character work that can enrich the narrative’s moral complexity. From an industry standpoint, this development underscores Paramount+’s continued investment in high‑quality legal thrillers, a genre that has proven resilient in streaming viewership metrics. It also demonstrates a collaborative production model where established talent co‑produces with seasoned creatives like Matt Shakman and Per Saari, potentially raising the series’ creative standards. For fans, the announcement offers a glimpse into the expanding world of *Discretion*, promising deeper storylines that interweave legal intrigue with personal cost. Ultimately, the casting choices not only enhance the series’ star power but also reinforce Paramount+’s ambition to compete with premium streaming competitors by delivering layered, character‑driven storytelling.

Our Take

While *Discretion* already boasts a strong core cast and a proven creative team, the infusion of Beetz, Foster, Baker and Hoogenakker elevates the series from a solid legal drama into a compelling ensemble narrative. Their presence brings distinct storytelling strengths that can deepen subplots: Beetz’s dramatic intensity can heighten ethical dilemmas; Foster’s charisma could introduce an unexpected comedic or moral counterpoint; Baker’s sharp wit may sharpen corporate satire; and Hoogenakker’s international appeal could broaden the series’ global reach. This strategic casting also signals Paramount+’s intent to differentiate *Discretion* within a saturated streaming landscape, where viewers increasingly seek complex characters and high‑production values. By aligning with talent known for both critical acclaim and mainstream appeal, the platform risks a double‑edged sword: heightened expectations may pressure the writers and directors to deliver beyond the standard legal thriller trope. Yet if handled adeptly, the series can become a benchmark for genre‑blending, proving that strategic ensemble building can transform an already promising concept into a cultural touchstone.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Related topics

  • #Zazie Beetz
  • #Ben Foster
  • #Stella Baker
  • #John Hoogenakker
  • #Discretion

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