Poorna Jagannathan Joins Hulu’s ‘Young Americans’ Pilot, Natalia Leite to Direct

Poorna Jagannathan, known for roles in Deli Boys and Lanterns, has joined the cast of Hulu’s drama pilot Young Americans as a series regular. She will star alongside previously announced cast members Scott Foley, Billie Boullet, Sam Rechner, Mia Isaac, Oscar Winter, and Lauren Mei. The pilot will be directed by Natalia Leite, who has helmed episodes of Hulu’s Emmy-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale. Leite’s involvement reunites her with the creative team behind that acclaimed drama, signaling Hulu’s confidence in the project. Young Americans is a coming-of-age story set in the early 2000s, exploring themes of identity and ambition. Jagannathan’s casting adds depth to the ensemble, and her recent high-profile roles suggest the pilot is attracting top talent. With a strong director and a promising cast, Hulu appears poised to develop another compelling original series. The pilot’s success could lead to a full-season order, further expanding Hulu’s slate of prestige dramas.