Former Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has signed on to star as famed producer and DJ Diplo in Viceland’s first scripted television series, Deadline reports. The six-episode series will be based on an exaggerated (and highly fictitious) version of Diplo’s life and is tentatively titled What Would Diplo Do?.
The idea for the show can be traced back to a satirical promo Van Der Beek filmed for last year’s Mad Decent Block Party. In the video, Van Der Beek plays the DJ as he guides the viewer through a typical day in his life.
Van Der Beek, who will also serve as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner, says that the show “doesn’t take itself too seriously, but is not cynical” and confirmed that Diplo is entirely on board with the project. “I’ve enjoyed deconstructing my own image quite a bit over the years, but to have the chance to do it with a global megastar like Diplo who’s letting us to do something fun and ridiculous that few people have the balls to allow is crazy,” he says. In fact, Diplo and his manager, Kevin Kusatsu, will also executive produce alongside Van Der Beek and Brandon Dermer, with Dermer directing.
What Would Diplo Do? is slated to premiere later in 2017. Check out the original video below.
