Casting Couch: Legal "Damages," Williams to Play in "Dollhouse"?

A couple of interesting tidbits emanating from the casting world this morning, courtesy of some very secretive sources.

First up, I am hearing that an offer is out to British actress Olivia Williams (Miss Austen Regrets, Rushmore) to play the role of Adele DeWitt in FOX's upcoming Joss Whedon drama Dollhouse.

Adele is described as "40-something, beautiful, sophisticated, cold as an Alp. Runs the Dollhouse with an efficiency that is both ruthless and protective. Would die before she showed anyone how lonely she is."

I think Williams, who was absolutely dynamic as the witty, wounded Jane Austen in the recent Miss Austen Regrets, would be perfect for the role of Adele. Fingers crossed that the deal closes as I'd love to see her in Whedon's hands on Dollhouse and I think she'd be a fantastic foil to Eliza Dushku's Echo.

UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter has now confirmed my scoop. Olivia Williams has been cast as Adele in Dollhouse. Huzzah!

Over on Damages, which returns to FX later this year with a second season of (legal) battles, blackmail, and betrayal, casting is underway on three new roles: a female lawyer who will serve as opposing counsel; a new love interest for Ellen; and Patty Hewes' new client, a man described as "extremely manipulative (but seamless in his manipulation)... ego-maniacal type."

SPOILER ALERT! Good news: it does indeed look like Ted Danson WILL be back next season as shark-like billionaire Arthur Frobisher, after all. While Damages is definitely about the push and pull between female adversaries Patty (Glenn Close) and Ellen (Rose Byrne), I like the aura of greed and general malfeasance that Danson brings to the series with Frobisher and I am happy that his story isn't quite over yet.

Stay tuned.