Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' Casts Kate Walsh & Derek Luke on Selena Gomez-Produced Series

Young adult bestselling novel Thirteen Reasons Why is getting adapted into a Netflix series produced by pop star and actress Selena Gomez, and the show's cast has just added two big TV names: Shondaland alum Kate Walsh and Empire actor Derek Luke.

According to Deadline, Walsh will be taking on the role of Hannah's mother in the series, while Luke will be playing the guidance counselor Mr. Porter.

Walsh is a television veteran, from her work as Dr. Addison Montgomery in Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice to more recent outings like Fargo and her short-lived sitcom Bad Judge. Luke, on the other hand, has been recently seen in the critically acclaimed Empire as well as Rogue, while other gigs include a recurring character in The Americans and a smaller role in Captain America: The First Avenger.

Earlier this week, TV Series Finale reported that Dylan Minnette, from last year's Goosebumps, had been cast as Clay, while newcomer Katherine Langford had landed the role of Hannah.

Other actors involved so far in the 13-episode series include Brandon Flynn, Alisha Boe, Devin Druid, Ross Butler, Christian Navarro, Justice Prentice and Miles Heizer.

The story, based on the Jay Asher novel of the same name, will follow a high school boy called Clay who receives a box of tapes from his late crush, Hannah, who recently committed suicide; the 13 reasons are in fact those behind her death, showing her school peers how they played a role in her suicide.

"Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier," reads the book's synopsis. "On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list."

Universal Studios had bought the film rights to 13 Reasons Why way back in 2011, attaching Gomez to star as Hannah, but the project was shelved for years. By the time Netflix picked it up, Gomez was already 23 (although she looks younger) and it was decided she'd instead be behind the camera as an executive producer.

So far, other people involved behind the scenes include director Tom McCarthy (who recently won an Oscar for his Spotlight screenplay), writer Brian Yorkey, Paramount TV and Anonymous Content.

There's still no release date for the 13 Reasons Why series.