The “ When Calls the Heart ” universe is expanding. A prequel series, “Hope Valley: 1874,” has been greenlit at Hallmark+ and will begin production next week in Vancouver, Variety can exclusively announce. Bethany Joy Lenz , Benjamin Ayres, Jill Hennessy, Roan Curtis and Lachlan Quarmby will star in the eight-episode series, set to debut in March 2026, which explores the early days of the settlement now known as Hope Valley.

Lenz portrays Rebecca Clarke, who travels from Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter (played by Roan Curtis). “But when her wagon breaks down, she has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore (Ayres),” the press release reads. “Despite Rebecca’s best intentions to remain unattached, the

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