‘This Is Us’ Alum Milana Vayntrub Cast In Marvel’s ‘New Warriors’ On Freeform As Squirrel Girl

“This Is Us” alum Milana Vayntrub has just been cast in Freeform’s upcoming series, Marvel’s “New Warriors.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vayntrub will play the role of Squirrel Girl in the scripted comedy. The actress will be starring alongside “Baby Daddy” alum Derek Theler, who will give life to the character of Mister Immortal. “New Warriors” has been picked up straight to series by Freeform earlier this month, and its first season will have 10 episodes.

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Showrunner Kevin Biegel released a statement expressing his excitement to work with Vanytrub, Theler and the rest of the cast of “New Warriors.” “I am thrilled beyond belief to be working with this incredible group of actors. They are funny, sincere, eager, charming and perfectly embody these characters. It’ll be a blast and an honor to create this show with each of them,” he said.

Joining Vayntrub and Theler are Jeremy Tardy as Night Thrasher, Calum Worthy as Speedball, Matthew Moy as Microbe and Kate Comer as Debrii. “New Warriors” will follow the lives of six young people who are still coming to terms with their newly-discovered powers.

In April, Marvel head of television Jeph Loeb also released a statement regarding the casting of the first four actors in the series. “We’re so lucky to have assembled such a diverse and incredibly talented cast. We can’t wait for the fans to see what’s in store when we unleash these iconic characters into the world,” he said at the time.

Meanwhile, Vayntrub’s casting came in the heels of rumors that “Stranger Things” cast member Shannon Purser was also in the running for the same role. Ever since “New Warriors” was announced, fans of the young actress have campaigned for Purser to be cast in the series. “Parenthood” alum Mae Whitman was also linked to the project, but her commitment to NBC’s “Good Girls” couldn’t make it possible. “Pitch Perfect” actress Anna Kendrick also expressed her desire to be cast in the role of Squirrel Girl.

Elizabeth Boykewich, senior vp casting and talent at Freeform, explained how they cast Vayntrub, Theler and the rest of the cast. “At Freeform, we are committed to finding distinct and entertaining characters,” she said.