When Calls the Heart fans are going to get a new prequel series, Hope Valley: 1874. Bethany Joy Lenz will star in the new series. Recently, the actress shared one person who helped her get ready for the role. It was none other than When Calls the Heart star Erin Krakow.
Bethany Joy Lenz Will Play Rebecca Clarke In Hope Valley: 1874
As an actress, Lenz is known for a number of shows, from One Tree Hill to the soap opera Guiding Light. She also served as a co-host on the Drama Queens podcast with some of her One Tree Hill co-stars.
Over the years, Lenz has also become known for appearing in a number of Hallmark projects. Recently, she has been cast as Rebecca Clarke on Hope Valley: 1874, a prequel spin-off of When Calls the Heart.
With the new show, viewers will see how Hope Valley came to be. Lenz’s character, Rebecca Clarke, is a single mother from Chicago seeking peace along the Canadian frontier.
It’s been said that viewers won’t need to be familiar with the parent show to follow the spin-off. However, it’s been noted that some fans already suspect Rebecca will be a similar character to Erin Krakow’s When Calls the Heart character, Elizabeth.
In fact, in a recent share with Good Housekeeping, Lenz shared that she contacted Krakow after landing the role in hopes of getting advice. She shared, “Erin was one of the first phone calls I made.”
Lenz Shared She & Erin Krakow Have Known Each Other For Years
Wanting her insight, Lenz shared, “I wanted her to tell me what this job is like, and tell me what the hours are like. Tell me what the responsibility feels like. I asked her, ‘Give me your wisdom and your knowledge, and tell me what the corsets feel like!’ I needed all the information, so I wanted her to give me the download.”
Lenz also revealed this wasn’t the first time she’s met Krakow. As she explained, “Erin’s great, and I’ve known her for a few years prior to this. Probably four or five years now. It was an easy conversation, and she was just so helpful.”
While some people have compared the characters, Lenz shared that Rebecca and Elizabeth were a bit different. She shared, “Our characters are so very different, and our personalities are very different, too.” However, as the outlet noted, she continued, “But you know, you still want to honor and respect what has come before you, and still carry the torch, even if it’s in your own way.” The spin-off series will make its debut on March 21, 2026.
What is your reaction to Bethany Joy Lenz’s recent share? Are you excited for Hope Valley: 1874? Have you been following this story? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
