Production is currently underway in Puerto Rico for the FOX reboot of “Fantasy Island,” which premieres Tuesday, August 10 on the network, and today it was announced that former “Devious Maids” and “Grand Hotel” actress Roselyn Sanchez has joined “The Bold and the Beautiful’s” Kiara Barnes and “Rosewood” actor John Gabriel Rodriquez as one of the show’s leads.
Sanchez will play Elena Roarke, a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke (played in the original by Ricardo Montalbán). Elena sets aside her own ambitions, and even the love of her life, to uphold her family’s legacy. Sophisticated, insightful, and always charming, Elena’s calm exterior masks the challenges of the responsibilities she has assumed as the steward of this mysterious island.
“Beyond… pinch me! What an honor! Can’t wait to bring this iconic character to life one more time,” wrote Sanchez on Instagram. “Wow, what a big responsibility… what a blessing! And guess what? De camino a Puerto Rico a grabar. God works in mysterious ways… Familia, por ahi voy!” In addition to “Devious Maids” and “Grand Hotel,” Sanchez also played Pilar Domingo on “As The World Turns” from 1996-1997.
Working alongside Sanchez is Barnes who will be departing the CBS soap as Zoe Buckingham. In the primetime series, she’ll play Ruby Okoro, a young woman with an old soul who arrives on Fantasy Island with a terminal illness and is given a new lease on life thanks to Elena.
“Soooo…the cat is officially out of the bag! I’m so excited to be joining the cast for ‘Fantasy Island’ on FOX!!! I’m so grateful for everyone who made this possible,” shared an ecstatic Barnes last week upon the announcement of her casting. “Dreams really do come true. Continue to believe, and you will receive Cheers to a new adventure!”
In a statement, “B&B” head writer and executive producer Bradley Bell said, “It’s been a pleasure having Kiara in the role of Zoe Buckingham on ‘The Bold and the Beautiful.’ I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” Reportedly, Barnes will last appear on the daytime soap during the first week of July.
A modern iteration of the classic series, FOX’s “Fantasy Island,” premiering Tuesday, August 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, takes place at a luxury resort, where literally any fantasy requested by guests is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected. Delving into the “what if” questions — both big and small — that keep us awake at night, each episode will tell emotional, provocative stories about people who arrive with dreams and desires and depart enlightened and transformed through the magical realism of Fantasy Island.
Rounding out the announced cast thus far is Rodriquez who will play Javier, a pilot who is also the head of island transportation and a jack of all trades.
“The writers have created an incredible story that you’re gonna love,” Rodriquez teased. “Stoked for the opportunity and I look forward to bringing Javier to life.”
The series comes from Sony Pictures Television, Gemstone Studios and FOX Entertainment. Liz Craft and Sarah Fain (“The 100,” “The Shield,” “Lie to Me”) are the executive producers.
Beginning Saturday, May 1, all seasons of the original 1977 “Fantasy Island” series and the 1998 remake will begin streaming on FOX Entertainment’s free-streaming platform, Tubi.