From Book to Screen: Casting Announced for Watergrave

There are moments in life when you pause, look around, and realize you’re standing inside a chapter you once only imagined.

This is one of those moments.

On a recent episode of The Mitchell S. Karnes Podcast, I finally got to share news I’ve been holding close for a while: the lead casting for the Watergrave film and streaming series is officially set, and production is moving forward.

Abbey Rhodes Has a Face

After months of conversations, meetings, and careful consideration, Kristen Owenby has been cast as Abbey Rhodes.

Kristen comes from a strong theater background and will be stepping into her first major film lead with this role. What impressed the director—and ultimately sealed the decision—was her ability to convey emotion through restraint. Abbey is not a character who wears everything on her sleeve. Her strength comes from what she holds back, not what she explodes outward.

When we met, Kristen asked the right questions:

• What triggers Abbey emotionally?

• When does she shut down?

• When does she push forward despite fear?

Those questions told me she understood Abbey before ever stepping in front of a camera.

To ensure authenticity, Kristen will also be meeting with a real female homicide detective, one of my long-time advisors, to absorb not just procedure—but presence. How detectives carry themselves. How they listen. How they react when the room is watching.

Sam Steps Into the Spotlight

Joining her is Phil Vassar, cast as Sam, Abby’s partner and mentor.

Many people know Phil as a singer-songwriter, but this role taps into something deeper. Sam is a man carrying quiet grief, guilt, and unresolved loss. He was once everything Abby is becoming—until his life fractured.

Sam isn’t just her partner.He’s the father figure she never had.And Abby is the living reminder of the daughter he lost.

That dynamic is the emotional backbone of Watergrave, and Phil immediately connected to it. This project also opens a new chapter for him creatively—something he’s wanted to explore now that he has more control over his touring schedule.

Filming Is Coming Fast

Production is scheduled to begin mid-January, with an estimated 15–18 days of filming.

The structure will be:

• A feature-length pilot designed for theatrical screening

• Followed by 2–3 additional episodes completing the Watergrave story arc

In total, the project will involve 70+ speaking roles, plus background extras. A casting company is handling the remaining roles now, which tells you the scale we’re working at.

This is no longer theoretical.This is real.

Staying True to the Books

One of the first things I discussed with the director was fidelity to the story.

We all understand adaptations require change—but the heart of Watergrave will remain intact. In fact, one exciting shift is that moments referenced as memories in the book will now be shown visually as flashbacks. You won’t just hear about Abby’s past—you’ll experience it.

That was important to me.

If you’ve read the books, you’ll recognize the emotional spine immediately. If you haven’t yet, now is the perfect time.

Writing Doesn’t Stop

Even with production ramping up, I’m still writing Book Four.

I write in the margins of my day—an hour here, an hour there—when the noise settles and the story opens up again. Now, though, I’m writing with real people in mind. Real faces. Real voices.

It’s subtly changing the way scenes breathe.

Looking Ahead

There will be:

• A Nashville theatrical premiere for the pilot

• A streaming release to follow

• Potential continuation into Books Two and Three, if the audience responds the way readers already have

And yes—there will be red carpets, interviews, road trips, podcasts on the move, and moments I never expected to experience.

One Last Thing

If there’s one thing I want readers to hear right now, it’s this:

Read the books before you watch.

We’re staying as close to the novels as possible, but nothing replaces meeting Abbey Rhodes on the page first. I want you to know her voice before you see her face.

You can stay connected—and get casting updates, filming news, signed editions, and behind-the-scenes content—by visiting:

👉 mitchellskarnesauthor.com👉 And signing up for the email list

This story started as an image in my mind.Now it’s stepping into the light.

And we’re just getting started.

— Mitchell S. Karnes