The 'Dawson Creek' alum will play Grammy-winning DJ Diplo in Viceland's first scripted comedy, which is inspired by an online concert promo titled 'Day in the Life of Diplo'.
- January 5, 2017
AceShowbiz -
Viceland has tapped James Van Der Beek to portray DJ superstar Diplo on its first scripted comedy series "What Would Diplo Do?". According to the actor, the show doesn’t take itself too serious but it’s not cynical.
“I’ve enjoyed deconstructing my own image quite a bit over the years, but to have the chance to do it with a global megastar like Diplo who’s letting us to do something fun and ridiculous that few people have the balls to allow is crazy,” Van Der Beek tells Deadline. “To get to work with this creative team within a Viceland aesthetic is fun on a whole new level,” he adds.
This is not the first time Van Der Beek has played the Grammy-winning DJ. He starred in an online concert promo titled "Day in the Life of Diplo", which was released last year for Diplo's "Mad Decent Block Party".
“I had that day free, I did a quick rewrite and found that it came easily,” Van Der Beek recalls being approached to do the online promo. “It was fun and that was it, I never thought it would lead to a series,” he says. “It seemed like a really fun opportunity."
"What Would Diplo Do?" will mark Van Der Beek's debut as series creator and showrunner. He is currently in the writers room for the show, with casting on the series set to begin shortly for a February production start. The actor will executive produce alongside Diplo and his long-time manager Kevin Kusatsu while music video helmer Brandon Dermer will direct the 6-episode series.
"What Would Diplo Do?" is scheduled to premiere later this year.
