'Brave New World': Meet Demi Moore, Alden Ehrenreich and the ensemble cast of Peacock's sci-fi dystopian drama
Tackling one of the most prescient novels about our civilization, Aldous Huxley's 1932 novel 'Brave New World' is a hard act. Huxley wasn't scared about the government banning books but rather of people not even bothering to pick up one. He wasn't scared that there would be no choice but rather that there would be a world of too many meaningless choices in a consumption-driven, instant gratification society.
It is these musings that find their way to us, its quarantined viewers, bingeing on the excess that the latest streaming platform, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, is raining down on us. Never say TV can't be unintentionally ironic. Since the show is part of the new service's launch line up, get ready to binge on the 10-episode 'Brave New World' Season 1 on July 15.
Peacock has released some pictures from the pilot episode. One shows how the "Savage Lands", beyond the borders, will look like – a place where humans still live according to "primitive" ways that New London has left in its past. But it is still a vacation spot for New Londoners wanting some exotic variety in their lives who want to see quaint customs like weddings.
But in New London, things will be a lot more swank, like the mass transit system for instance that looks futuristic but familiar.
Writer and showrunner, David Wiener (Fear the Walking Dead, Homecoming), is no stranger to dystopic scenarios and mind-altering drugs. Owen Harris ('Black Mirror: San Junipero', 'Black Mirror: Striking Vipers') will direct the first two episodes. The show also seems to have attracted a solid star cast, from Demi Moore to Alden Ehrenreich ('Solo: A Star Wars Story') and Jessica Brown Findlay, who played the fan-favorite, Lady Sybil in 'Downtown Abbey'. Peacock has already released character bios for the main leads. Here are the faces you'll see on the show and the roles they'll play.
Alden Ehrenreich is John "the Savage"
John the Savage is a subversive outsider who threatens to disrupt the stability of New London’s utopian society. He has been told stories of the "New World" by his mother Linda. Alden Ehrenreich, who plays the part has worked with noted directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, the Coen Brothers and Sofia Coppola. In 2018, Ehrenreich starred in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story', directed by Ron Howard. In 2016, Ehrenreich garnered critical acclaim for his role as Hobie Doyle in the Coen Brothers film 'Hail, Caesar!' alongside Josh Brolin and Ralph Fiennes.
Demi Moore is Linda
Linda is John's brash, hard-living, secretive mother, who persuades John to go to New London. Demi Moore, who will appear in three episodes, plays Linda. Moore is currently also starring in 'Corporate Animals', opposite Ed Helms. She has several cult hits to her name like 'A Few Good Men', 'Ghost', 'Indecent Proposal', 'Disclosure', 'G.I. Jane' and 'Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle'.
Jessica Brown Findlay is Lenina Crowne
Lenina Crowne is a "Beta Plus" Hatchery worker, who has begun to question her position within the strict social strata of the New World. She will also function as a guide of sorts to John when he comes to the New World. Jessica Brown Findlay will essay the part. She can currently be seen starring in 'Harlots', opposite Samantha Morton. She is well known for her portrayal of Lady Sybil in the award-winning international hit series 'Downton Abbey', for which she and the cast won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 2013 SAG Awards.
Harry Lloyd is Bernard Marx
Bernard Marx is an "Alpha Plus" who works as a counselor for The Bureau of Stability, in-charge of administering soma, the happy pill, to the citizens of New London. Harry Lloyd plays Bernard Marx in the show. Born and raised in the UK, Lloyd recently starred opposite J. K. Simmons in the critically-acclaimed drama series 'Counterpart' and also appeared as Professor X in the third season of the hit series 'Legion'. He is known for his role as Viserys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones'. His other television credits include 'Manhattan' and 'Wolf Hall'.
Kylie Bunbury is Frannie
Frannie is Lenina’s best friend, a Beta Plus who embraces her conditioning and New London’s social order. Kylie Bunbury, who plays her, appeared in the 'The Sitter' opposite Jonah Hill. Most recently, she starred in 'Game Night' alongside Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams and Ava DuVernay’s 'When They See Us', based on the true story of the Central Park Five.
Sen Mitsuji is Henry Foster
Henry Foster is an Alpha Plus in every way, who works alongside Bernard as a counselor at "The Bureau of Stability". Sen Mitsuji essays the role and he recently starred as a series regular in 'Origin'. His other roles include an upcoming series-long arc on 'Altered Carbon', as well as a recurring role in the upcoming final season of 'The Man in the High Castle'.
Joseph Morgan is CJack60
CJack60 is an Epsilon relegated to physical, tedious jobs, who is deeply impacted after witnessing a horrifying incident. Joseph Morgan, who has been cast in the role, is most recognized for his portrayal of Klaus Mikaelson on 'The Vampire Diaries' and its spin-off, The Originals'. He earned a People's Choice Award for Favorite Actor in a New Television Show for the role. He has appeared in small screen productions like 'Doc Martin' and 'Henry VIII', opposite Emily Blunt. He has also starred in 'Immortals' opposite Mickey Rourke and Henry Cavill, Harmony Korine's film 'Mister Lonely', 'Alexander' opposite Anthony Hopkins and Val Kilmer, and 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World' alongside Russell Crowe.
Hannah John-Kamen is Wilhelmina ‘Helm’ Watson
Helm is a hedonistic artist and New London’s premier maker of "Feelies", a form of emotional cinema that New Londoners watch to "feel" something in a controlled setting. British actress Hannah John-Kamen plays Wilhelmina ‘Helm’ Watson. She can next be seen in 'The Stranger', an eight-part thriller based on Harlan Coben’s novel of the same name, and 'The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance'. She made her film debut in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', and in 2018 appeared in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp', 'Ready Player One' and 'Tomb Raider'. Other notable credits include: 'Black Mirror', and 'Game of Thrones'.
Nina Sosanya is Mustafa Mond
Mustafa Mond is a World Controller who is responsible for maintaining New London’s social structure and utopian promise. Nina Sosanya plays Mond on the show. She last starred as the devout Satanist Sister Mary Loquacious in Neil Gaiman’s 'Good Omens'. The British actress also appeared in 'Killing Eve', Ricky Gervais’ 'David Brent: Life On The Road', 'Red Joan' with Judi Dench and in 'Love Actually'.
Lara Peake is Madysun
Madysun is from the Savage Land and John knows her. Not much else is revealed in the character bio but it is possible she will be involved in the uprising in the Savage Lands when Bernard Marx and Lenina Crowne drop in for a visit. Madysun is played by Lara Peake. She has previously appeared in 'Born to Kill' and 'How To Talk To Girls at Parties'.
'Brave New World' will premiere on July 15, 2020, on Peacock. All episodes will be available to stream on the launch date.