ABC casts New Girl in American Hero

Hannah Simone

US network ABC has cast Hannah Simone (New Girl) as the lead in the pilot of its female-led remake of The Greatest American Hero.

The show, to be coproduced by 20th Century Fox TV and ABC Studios, is written by Rachna Fruchbom (Fresh Off the Boat), who will produce with Mandy Summers and original producer Steven J Cannell’s daughter Tawnia McKiernan.

Originally an ABC TV series that ran from 1980 to 1983, The Greatest American Hero follows a mild-mannered high-school teacher who receives a red flying suit with superpowers from extra-terrestrials.

In the new version, Simone plays the lead role of Meera, who spends her time drinking tequila and singing karaoke.