Chloe East to Star in Hulu’s “Foster Dade” Adaptation

Chloe East, widely recognized for her role in the A24 horror film Heretic, is set to take on the leading female role in Hulu’s upcoming mystery series, an adaptation of Nash Jenkins’ debut novel, Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos. The project, helmed by Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran, recently received a pilot order from the streaming platform, marking a significant step for the young adult drama.

Chloe East’s Role as Annabeth Whittaker

In Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos, Chloe East will portray Annabeth Whittaker, a compelling student at the elite East Coast boarding school, Kennedy. Annabeth is depicted as possessing an “indecipherable kind of magic” that effortlessly draws others to her, including the titular Foster Dade. Their undeniable chemistry forms a central element of the narrative. However, beneath Annabeth’s outward charm and wit lies a guarded nature, concealing secrets and sorrows that could ultimately threaten to tear their connection apart.

About ‘Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos’

The Hulu series is an adaptation of Nash Jenkins’ 2023 novel, Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos. The story is a sophisticated mystery primarily set at an East Coast boarding school, exploring themes of privilege, scandal, sexuality, and masculinity. It delves into these complex subjects amidst the backdrop of the rise of social media, millennial anxiety, and the impact of pharmaceuticals.

The novel unfolds through the perspective of an unnamed narrator who moves into the former dorm room of Foster Dade. Foster, a transfer student, arrived at Kennedy in 2008 and was later expelled following a significant scandal. The narrator embarks on a years-long investigation to uncover the truth behind Foster’s expulsion and the events that transpired, utilizing interviews, blog posts, playlists, and text archives to reconstruct the story. The narrative aims to capture the adolescent experience of millennials during the early days of the internet and social media.

Chloe East’s Rising Career

Chloe East has been steadily building a diverse filmography, gaining significant attention for her recent work. She is particularly known for her starring role as Sister Paxton in the 2024 A24 psychological horror film Heretic, where she played a Mormon missionary opposite Hugh Grant and Sophie Thatcher. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, received positive reviews.

Her other notable credits include the HBO Max series Generation (2021) and Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans (2022), where she appeared as Monica Sherwood, a fictional high school girlfriend for the protagonist. Looking ahead, East has several projects in the pipeline, including Hailey Gates’ Atropia, Kornél Mundruczó’s At the Sea, and Chandler Levack’s Roommates.

Conclusion

Chloe East’s casting in Hulu’s Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos adaptation signifies a promising new chapter in her career, offering her a complex lead role in a highly anticipated mystery series. With its intriguing premise, exploration of contemporary themes, and a creative team led by Greg Berlanti, the series is poised to become a noteworthy addition to Hulu’s slate, and East’s performance as Annabeth Whittaker will be a focal point for viewers. The pilot order indicates confidence in the project’s potential to resonate with audiences interested in nuanced young adult dramas.