Electric Marshmallow taps Sandra Mae Frank to lead sci-fi series SPACE PIRATES

Electric Marshmallow Productions has cast New Amsterdam actor Sandra Mae Frank as the lead in SPACE PIRATES, a new sci-fi drama in early development in Detroit. The studio says the project is seeking producers and financing after a proof-of-concept photo shoot and a table reading of the pilot.

Why it matters: - SPACE PIRATES centers a Deaf and queer protagonist, which makes authentic casting a core part of the project’s identity. - Sandra Mae Frank’s casting gives the series a recognizable lead as Electric Marshmallow looks for producers and financing. - The project is being positioned as an original sci-fi drama, not an adaptation, which gives the studio more creative control.

What happened: - Electric Marshmallow Productions announced Sandra Mae Frank as the lead in SPACE PIRATES. - Frank will play Eleria “El” Siderian, a scrappy space pirate investigating a deadly attack while being hunted across the galaxy. - The studio also cast Shannon Dang as El’s twin sister, Alia. - Sofiya Cheyenne will play ship security officer T'Vara V'aatay. - Ren Hanami will play Supreme Leader Ursuline K'Paylah. - The series was created by Ashtyn Law and Dom Evans in 2023. - Development on the project has been underway since late 2024. - The studio held a proof-of-concept photo shoot to support the announcement.

The details: - SPACE PIRATES is a single-camera sci-fi drama set in an unknown universe. - The pilot is an original concept and is not based on existing material. - The show had a well-received table reading in late 2024. - Evans received funding from Virginia Tech in January 2026 for the proof-of-concept photo shoot. - That funding was intended to help attract producers for the pilot. - Electric Marshmallow is still seeking funding. - The studio says additional cast members have yet to be announced. - Interested producers and financiers can request a video of the pilot table reading, plus the pitch deck and show bible materials. - Photos from the shoot are available on the Electric Marshmallow Productions website and the studio’s Instagram.

Between the lines: - The casting choice signals a push toward inclusive representation in genre television. - The proof-of-concept materials suggest Electric Marshmallow is packaging SPACE PIRATES as a pitch-ready project rather than waiting for a traditional greenlight. - Evans and Law appear to be using early visual and script materials to build interest before a pilot is shot.

What's next: - Electric Marshmallow is looking for producers and additional financing. - The studio is offering pitch materials to interested industry buyers. - More cast announcements are expected as the project moves forward.

The bottom line: - SPACE PIRATES is moving from early development into a fundraising and packaging phase, with Sandra Mae Frank now set as the face of the series.