The "Modern Family" cast may look a little different when Season 4 kicks off in September. Yes, the cast has settled their contract dispute and will all return, but one character is being recast: Jay and Gloria's dog, Stella.
According to TMZ, Stella, who has been played a French bulldog named Brigitte, has been let go by Hollywood agency Good Dog Animals. The part of Stella will now be played by Beatrice, another French bulldog. Request for comment from ABC was not immediately returned.
"Modern Family" made headlines in July after five cast members -- Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Sofia Vergara, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson rejected a new contract offer and then sued 20th Century Fox Television, delaying the start of Season 4. Ed O'Neill, who was negotiating separately, also joined the lawsuit, but the cast members have settled with 20th Century Fox and production on Season 4 will continue as planned. But, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the younger "Modern Family" actors are now seeking raises.
THR reports Nolan Gould, Rico Rodriguez and Ariel Winter may band together, similarly to their adult co-stars, while seeking the raise. Sarah Hyland will reportedly negotiate separately, but all negotiations aren't expected to be as intense as those that went on amongst the adults.
In other casting news ...
"Better With You" actor Jake Lacy has joined "The Office." Lacy will be a series regular when Season 9 kicks off in September. [TVLine]
Abbie Cobb has booked an "NCIS: Los Angeles" gig. Cobb will play Astrid, a young girl who forms a bond with Agent Kensi Blye. The role could become recurring. [TVLine]
Heather Locklear is moving to "Cleveland." Locklear will appear in at least three episodes of TV Land's "Hot In Cleveland" as a former beauty queen who hired Melanie to work at her PR firm. [TVLine]
CBS confirmed a few bits of casting news during their day at the Television Critics Association press tour on Sunday.
Natalie Martinez headed to "CSI: NY." Martinez, formerly of ABC's swiftly canceled "Detroit 1-8-7," will recur this season as a detective who works with Flack (Eddie Cahill), and music from Green Day will be featured in the fourth episode of the season.
Michael Madsen is heading to "Blue Bloods." According to CBS, Madsen will play John, a professional criminal just released from prison who is determined to get his revenge on Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) after he arrested him and ruined his life. His episode will air Oct. 5.
Ivan Sergei and Polly Walker will both recur on "The Mentalist" as FBI agents. According to CBS, Sergei will play Agent Gabe Mancini, and Walker will play Senior FBI Agent Alexa Schultz, an alpha female with a quick-witted personality. And, as we previously reported, Jim O'Heir of "Parks and Recreation" will guest as a hotel manager in the Sept. 30 episode.
