Virgin River has revealed the actors cast to portray Mel’s parents in the highly anticipated sixth season of the Netflix romance series. Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day, Chicago P.D.) and Callum Kerr (Monarch, Hollyoaks) will take on the roles of Sarah and Everett.
First-look images shared by Deadline show the duo in flashbacks set in 1972. Sarah is characterized as a “witty, free spirit from the big city with a deep passion for activism,” while Everett is depicted as a “singer-songwriter with a poet’s soul,” wandering through life in a VW Van until a fateful encounter with the beautiful hitchhiker Sarah opens his eyes to a world beyond his imagination.
Jessica, 37, is best known for her role in the comedy slasher film Happy Death Day, and has also appeared in La La Land, Valley Girl, and shows like Chicago P.D., Blue Bloods, and Gossip Girl.
Callum gained fame playing PC George Kiss in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, later appearing as Wade Stellings in the Fox series Monarch. He is also set to portray Smoker in the Netflix adaptation of One Piece.
The introduction of Mel’s parents is part of Netflix’s effort to expand the Virgin River universe, including a prequel that delves into Sarah and Everett’s love story.
The official logline for season six teases: “Amid Mel and Jack’s romantic spring wedding season, this installment promises fresh twists, love triangles, wedding drama, and uncovered secrets from Mel’s father’s past, transporting us to the enchanting world of Virgin River in the 1970s.”
Returning cast members include Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel and Martin Henderson as her fiancé Jack Sheridan, as they navigate parenthood and transform Lilly’s farm into their dream home.
Season five concluded with a cliffhanger, as Mel’s father Everett appeared at her doorstep with “something important” to share. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith hinted that the new season will delve into “who Everett Reid is, his backstory, his connection to Virgin River, and his relationship with both the town and Mel,” during a Q&A with Deadline.
