Natasha Calis Cast as Dr. Astrid in Virgin River S8
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- Natasha Calis tapped for a heavily recurring role as Dr. Astrid in Virgin River Season 8, which has begun production in Vancouver
- Calis holds an option to become a series regular if the show is renewed for Season 9 — the first potential series-regular addition in four seasons, since Kandyse McClure joined as Kaia Bryant in Season 5
- Dr. Astrid is described as a brashly confident surgical resident placed on probation and assigned to Doc's clinic; her arrival may connect to Doc's Season 7 finale decision to partner with Grace Valley Hospital
- Mitchell Slaggert joins as Eddie, a charismatic EMT — another new recurring character Astrid may share scenes with
- Calis' SkyMed contract had expired, freeing her up for Virgin River; she could potentially continue on both shows with a renegotiated SkyMed deal, sources said
- Longtime cast members Marco Grazzini (Mike) and Lauren Hammersley (Charmaine) have departed ahead of Season 8, as Deadline previously reported
Why it matters: For Virgin River, Calis represents the first potential series-regular addition in four seasons — a shift that coincides with the exits of two longtime players (Mike and Charmaine). The SkyMed contract timing gives her a rare shot at anchoring two medical dramas simultaneously if both get renewed.
