Marvel Television announced today the group of actors set to portray The Pride (a.k.a the parental characters) in Marvel’sRunaways, the highly anticipated project with popularstreaming service, Hulu. Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were? Marvel’sRunawaysis the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe, their parents.
Marvel previously announced Rhenzy Feliz (Alex Wilder),Lyrica Okano(Nico Minoru),Virginia Gardner(Karolina Dean),Ariela Barer(Gert Yorkes),Gregg Sulkin(Chase Stein) andAllegra Acosta(Molly Hernandez) were locked to play the title roles in the series. Marvel and Hulu haven’t announced a premiere date at this time, or when production may begin. Here’s whatRunaways comic co-creatorand series executive consultantBrian K. Vaughnhad to say about the cast in a statement.
“Marvel’sRunawayshas enough great actors to support two shows, but I love that this project contains multiple generations of incredible talent all in one story.”
The first member of The Pride isRyan Sands(Hat Hair,The Wire) as Geoffrey Wilder, a man defined by the grueling path he’s taken to achieve his self-made success. A hulking presence, Geoffrey can effortlessly shift from approachable father to intimidating strategist with his son Alex. Also cast in The Pride isAngel Parker(The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story,The Strain) as Catherine Wilder, a successful lawyer who is deliberate and calculating in both her words and actions. But when it comes to her family, she’s fiercely loyal and a loving mother to her son Alex.
The next casting addition isBrittany Ishibashi(This Is Us,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows) as Tina Minoru, a perfectionist “tiger mom.” In her professional life, she is a brilliant innovator and ruthless CEO. Emotionally, she is less confident, often shying away from difficult conversations with her daughter Nico and careful to avoid explicit displays of her feelings.James Yaegashi(Breakfast at Tiffany’son Broadway,Madame Secretary) stars as Robert Minoru, a gentle and brilliant beta, the Woz to his wife’s Jobs. Warm and feeling, Robert sometimes struggles with being married to a woman who so forcefully barricades her emotions while caring about Nico.
Kevin Weisman(Hello Ladies,Alias) has been cast as Dale Yorkes, a beardy, dad-core bioengineer. Incredibly science-minded, he has a deep love for his family but oftentimes falls short at knowing the right things to say to Gert.Brigid Brannagh(Army Wives,True Colors) is playing Stacey Yorkes, an absent-minded and professorial bioengineer. Perpetually dawning Birkenstocks and a messy bun, Stacey utilizes a progressive approach to her parenting style to Gert.
Annie Wersching(Timeless,The Vampire Diaries) has come aboard as Leslie Dean, a complicated beauty and a poised and skilled leader. Clear-minded, focused, and charismatic, Leslie draws in devoted allies and followers who are taken by her success and charm, particularly with her daughter Karolina.Kip Pardue(Remember the Titans,Ray Donovan) has been set to star as Leslie’s husband as Frank Dean, a former teen star who rode a short-lived movie career and is now teeming with insecurity. Floundering in his professional career as an actor, Frank is seeking to renew purpose in his life while being a father to Karolina. Here’s what Executive ProducersJosh SchwartzandStephanie Savagehad to say in a statement regarding the casting.
“This cast is an abundance of riches. We are so excited to have assembled our PRIDE, though for the fate of humanity we should be very concerned…”
The final set of parents isJames Marsters(Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Angel) as Victor Stein andEver Carradine(The Handmaids Tale,Goliath) as Janet Stein. Victor is an engineering genius who may just save the word from itself. Electric cars, space travel; the military and NASA both look to him for answers. As a father to Chase, Victor has lofty expectations for his son, and when they aren’t met, his retribution can be fierce. Janet Stein is a perfect PTA mom. Harboring a brilliant mind of her own, she has made deep sacrifices for her husband’s world-changing career. Though she hides it for the well-being of her son Chase, Janet longs for more from her life. Here’s what Executive ProducerJeph Loebhad to say in his statement.
“This cast has come together in ways we couldn’t have imagined and we are thrilled to work with this outstanding group.”
Runawaysis executive produced by series showrunners/writersJosh SchwartzandStephanie Savage(The O.C.,Gossip Girl) along with Marvel’s Head of Television,Jeph Loeb(Luke Cage,Iron Fist) andJim Chory(Daredevil,Jessica Jones) Fake Empire’sLis Rowinskiwill produce as well. Marvel’s Runaways is a co-production with ABC Signature Studios.Runawaysfor Hulu is based on the Marvel comics created by the award- team ofBrian K. VaughanandAdrian Alphona. The book series has won an Eisner, a Harvey and was featured as one of the Young Adult Library Services Association’s best books for young adults.
