Rainn Wilson, the beloved actor known for his role as Dwight Schrute in The Office, is lending his voice to a new New Zealand rom-com series titled Settling. This marks an interesting departure for Wilson, who is usually seen in more serious, office-set comedies. The series, which is set to air on Sky New Zealand's free TV network Three and its streaming counterpart ThreeNow, is a contemporary relationship drama with a comedic twist. It follows the story of two disillusioned 30-somethings, played by Hannah Marshall and Pax Assadi, who enter into a platonic marriage pact made in their teenage years to satisfy family and societal expectations.
What makes Settling particularly intriguing is the unique blend of humor and drama it offers. The show is written by Marshall and Assadi, who also star in it, and is produced by South Pacific Pictures, a company that has been part of the Banijay group since its merger with All3Media. All3Media International holds the international rights to the series, and the show is set to be distributed globally.
The series has received praise for its relatable themes and unique Kiwi humor. Kelly Martin, Chief Executive of SPP, described it as 'a fun homage to everyone's favorite rom-com, relatable regardless of where you are from in the world, elevated with a great dose of unique Kiwi humor.' Tina McLaren, Sky's Commissioning Editor, added that the series is 'a delightful comedy with a real twist, brought to life by an exceptionally talented cast and crew.'
What makes this project even more interesting is the personal connection Wilson has to New Zealand. As an actor who has often played characters in more serious, office-set comedies, Settling offers a refreshing change of pace. The series also showcases the talent of New Zealand's local actors and writers, adding to the country's rich cinematic heritage.
In my opinion, Settling is a bold move for Wilson, and it showcases his versatility as an actor. The series is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability to create relatable, entertaining content that transcends cultural boundaries. It's a fun, refreshing take on the rom-com genre, and I'm sure it will resonate with audiences worldwide.
