Television Stars Reunite as Manifest Co-Stars Return for Chilling New Roles

Beloved Manifest Duo Reunites on Screen

Television fans are getting an unexpected treat as Josh Dallas will guest-star in an upcoming episode of Melissa Roxburgh's NBC drama "The Hunting Party," marking the first time the former "Manifest" co-stars have worked together since their supernatural drama concluded in 2023. Previously, Dallas and Roxburgh starred together as brother and sister Ben and Michaela Stone on the supernatural drama "Manifest," which ran for three seasons on NBC and then moved to Netflix for a fourth and final season.

The reunion takes a dark turn as Dallas will play Elliot Carr, aka the Connecticut Cobbler, "a master craftsman and high-end shoemaker who specialized in extraordinary custom shoes made from only the rarest and most exotic of leathers — think alligator, rhino and people, skinning his victims alive." This Buffalo Bill-type serial killer character represents a dramatic departure from Dallas's previous heroic roles, offering viewers a chance to see the actor in a completely different light.

Roxburgh stars as former FBI profiler Bex Henderson on "The Hunting Party," which returns for Season 2 this Thursday at 10/9c on NBC. The show follows a specialized team tracking escaped serial killers from a secret government prison known as "The Pit," creating the perfect backdrop for this sinister character reunion.

Monster Anthology Expands Cast for Season Four

Netflix's hit crime anthology "Monster" continues building momentum with Joey Pollari joining the fourth season of Ryan Murphy's Netflix anthology, set to portray John Morse, Lizzie Borden's uncle. This casting represents a strategic return for Pollari, who recently appeared in The Ed Gein Story, where he appeared in three episodes as Psycho star Anthony Perkins.

Pollari joins previously announced cast members Ella Beatty, Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, and Vicky Krieps. The upcoming season will tackle one of America's most infamous unsolved mysteries, examining the infamous crime, trial, and aftermath when Borden allegedly killed her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts in the early 1890s with an axe. She was tried and acquitted of the murders, and no one else was charged.

The casting choice demonstrates Murphy's commitment to continuity within his anthology universe, rewarding talented performers with new opportunities across different seasons. Pollari's other TV credits include "American Crime," "SEAL Team," and "Sugar," establishing him as a versatile actor capable of handling complex historical characters.

Industry Implications and Viewer Appeal

These casting developments reflect broader trends in television production, where successful shows increasingly rely on established actor relationships and proven creative partnerships. The "Manifest" reunion capitalizes on fan loyalty while introducing familiar faces to new audiences, a strategy that has proven effective across multiple networks and streaming platforms.

The "Monster" franchise continues its pattern of examining controversial historical cases through contemporary lenses, with each season generating significant cultural discussion and viewership. "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" is currently in production in Los Angeles for release later this year on Netflix. The series has established itself as a cultural phenomenon, with each installment sparking renewed interest in historical true crime cases.

Both projects demonstrate how modern television leverages nostalgia and established relationships while pushing creative boundaries. As streaming services and traditional networks compete for viewer attention, these strategic casting choices offer familiar comfort alongside fresh storytelling approaches, ensuring audiences remain engaged with evolving narratives that honor past successes while embracing new creative challenges.