List of Legion characters
Legion is an American cable television series created for FX by Noah Hawley, based on the Marvel Comics character David Haller / Legion. It is connected to the X-Men film series, the first television series to do so. The first season, consisting of eight episodes, began airing on February 8, 2017. A second season was ordered in March 2017.
Dan Stevens stars as Haller, a mutant diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age. Also starring in the first season are Rachel Keller as Syd Barrett, Aubrey Plaza as Lenny Busker, Bill Irwin as Cary Loudermilk, Jeremie Harris as Ptonomy Wallace, Amber Midthunder as Kerry Loudermilk, Katie Aselton as Amy Haller, and Jean Smart as Melanie Bird.
Main characters
David Haller
David Haller (portrayed by Dan Stevens) is the mutant son of Charles Xavier. Haller was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age and meets the "girl of his dreams" in a psychiatric hospital.[1][2]
Stevens was cast in February 2016,[1] and joined the series because of showrunner Noah Hawley's involvement, and after exploring the source material.[2] Casting Stevens alleviated Hawley's concerns about focusing the series on Haller's internal issues, as "he’s very vulnerable and also very strong" and can be endearing to the audience.[3] Hawley created a 160-track playlist to help Stevens understand Haller’s mindset, which included "everything from experimental French sound design, people screaming into bins and such, to Pink Floyd and everything in between."[4] Stevens also did extensive research on mental health to prepare for the role, talking to both sufferers and doctors. He felt this allowed him to "really [take] on board" the "vividness of the reality", and said that there are "different ways of perceiving crazy people ... it's such a misunderstood condition."[5] Hawley and the cast kept secrets from Stevens about the character and plot so that the actor could identify with Haller's confusion about reality.[6]
Haller's earlier life is shown in several flashbacks and dream sequences,[7] with the character portrayed by Tobias Austen and Noah Hegglin Houben as an infant, Sebastian Billinsley-Rodriguez as a toddler, Christian Convery as a four-year-old, Luke Roessler as a six-to-eight-year-old, Jacob Hoppenbrouwer as a ten-to-twelve-year-old, and Alex Mulgrew as a sixteen-year-old.
Syd Barrett
Sydney "Syd" Barrett (portrayed by Rachel Keller) is a "self-sufficient and street smart" young woman who "still believes in happily ever after", who becomes Haller's girlfriend.[1][2]
Keller was cast as the female lead in January 2016, after her breakout role in the second season of Hawley's Fargo.[8] She was revealed to be playing Barrett a month later.[1] Because of her abilities, the character is portrayed as "withdrawn", the opposite of Keller's Fargo role.[9] The character is named after Roger "Syd" Barrett of the rock band Pink Floyd, whose music was an important influence on the series for Hawley.[10]
Lenny Busker
Lenny Busker (portrayed by Aubrey Plaza) is Haller's friend in Clockworks Psychiatric Hospital, an "impossible optimist" despite a history of drug and alcohol abuse.[1][2]
Plaza was cast in February 2017.[1] The character dies in the first episode, but reappears as a malevolent aspect in Haller's mind.[11] Busker was originally written for a middle aged man, until Hawley met Plaza and rethought the character. However, Plaza insisted that the character's dialogue not be changed for her, instead choosing to play the character as both male and female. This led to Busker "making crass remarks about women and muttering vintage phrases". Plaza's performance, which she described as kind of "unisex, androgynous", was inspired by David Bowie. While preparing for the role, Plaza decided that Busker's hands would be covered with small henna tattoos, which had to be applied every day before filming.[12]
Cary Loudermilk
Cary Loudermilk (portrayed by Bill Irwin) isa "geeky scientist",[13][2][14] one of the founders of Summerland and one of Bird's specialists.[15]
The character is introduced in the second episode, but Hawley sought to cast Irwin, for his "playful approach to characters", during filming on the pilot, before the character's role had been written.[16][2] Hawley "had to pitch him the weird, crazy character dynamic and that the show is about memory and identity", and Irwin agreed to join the project.[17] His addition to the cast was revealed with the show's full series order in May 2016.[13] Nicky Evans portrays Cary as an eight-year-old.
Ptonomy Wallace
Ptonomy Wallace (portrayed by Jeremie Harris) is a former child prodigy who is "stand-offish and sardonic",[18][2] one of Bird's specialists.[15] A "memory artist", Ptonomy "remembers everything, and has the ability to take people back into their own memories".[3]
Harris was cast in late February 2017.[18] Gabriel Jacob-Cross portrays Ptonomy as a five-year-old.
Kerry Loudermilk
Kerry Loudermilk (portrayed by Amber Midthunder) is a savant with a "childlike sense of wonder",[19][2] who lives inside Cary's body.
Midthunder was cast in late February 2017.[19] Tylayla Baker portrays Kerry as an eight-year-old.
Amy Haller
Amy Haller (portrayed by Katie Aselton) is David's older sister, who tries to remain positive despite his history of mental illness.[20][2]
Aselton was cast in the role in March 2017.[20] Hawley said that she defined herself as normal "against her brother. She finds herself being looked at as if she might be crazy, as well."[14] Kyja Sutton portrays Amy as an eight-to-ten-year-old.
Melanie Bird
Melanie Bird (portrayed by Jean Smart) is a demanding psychiatric therapist who uses "unconventional" methods.[1][15]
Smart was cast in February 2017,[1] joining the series immediately when asked by Hawley, despite knowing nothing of the show and its source material, due to her previous Emmy-nominated work with Hawley on Fargo.[21]
Recurring characters
Brubaker
Brubaker (portrayed by David Selby) is a member of Division 3.[22]
Dennis Kissinger
Dennis Kissinger (portrayed by David Ferry) is Haller's psychiatrist at Clockworks Psychiatric Hospital.
Philly
Philly (portrayed by Ellie Araiza) was Haller's "perky and aloof" ex-girlfriend, until she left him after he lost control of his abilities.[23]
Rudy
Rudy (portrayed by Brad Mann) is a telekinetic mutant who fights for Bird.
The Devil with the Yellow Eyes
"The Devil with the Yellow Eyes" (portrayed by Quinton Boisclair) is a "grotesque creature" that Haller sees.
Hawley explained that the character would appear "detached from information in the first couple of hours. It’s compelling because it’s such a horrifying image, and we know that it means something, but we don’t know what it means." He compared this to the early appearances of Bob in Twin Peaks.[24]
The Eye
Walter (portrayed by Mackenzie Gray) is a mutant and one of the founders of Summerland, who now works as an agent of Division 3 under the name "The Eye"
Poole
Poole (portrayed by Scott Lawrence) was Haller's psychiatrist before he was admitted to Clockworks.
The Angry Boy
The Angry Boy (portrayed by Devyn Dalton) is a manifestation of the title character from the book The World's Angriest Boy in the World that Haller sees.
Oliver Bird
Oliver Bird (portrayed by Jemaine Clement) is Melanie's husband and one of the founders of Summerland.[25][26] He has spent the last 20 years on the astral plane.[17]
Hawley announced in October 2016 that Jemaine Clement would be joining the series in what was described as "a multi-episode arc",[25] later revealed to be portraying Melanie's husband Oliver.[26]
Guest characters
- Hamish Linklater as the Interrogator for Division 3.[14]
- Tatyana Forrest as Haller's adoptive mother.
- Dario Giordani as Haller's adoptive father, an astronomer.
- Kirby Morrow as Benny: Haller's friend before he was admitted to Clockworks. He is replaced by Lenny in many of Haller's memories.
- Sharlene Royer as Ptonomy's mother.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza & Jean Smart Cast in FX Networks' Pilot for 'Legion'". Marvel.com. February 4, 2016. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f g h i Wigler, Josh (October 9, 2016). "'Legion' Premiere Previewed at NYCC: A Look Inside FX's Upcoming 'X-Men' Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Hibberd, James (January 10, 2017). "Legion a 'dramatic departure' for Marvel and X-Men". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 11, 2017. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Holloway, Daniel (January 24, 2017). "'Legion': Creator Noah Hawley on Taking FX Series Beyond X-Men". Variety. Archived from the original on January 25, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Eley, Julie (January 28, 2017). "Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens returns to TV in Marvel's Legion". Stuff.co.nz. Archived from the original on January 28, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Robinson, Joana (January 16, 2017). "The Cast of Legion Lied to Star Dan Stevens to Make the Show Better". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on February 10, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Pruner, Aaron (February 8, 2017). "Noah Hawley & Dan Stevens on the 'Clockwork Orange'/'Quadrophenia' style of 'Legion'". Screener. Archived from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 5, 2016). "'Legion': FX Marvel Pilot Casts 'Fargo's Rachel Keller As Female Lead". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Schwartz, Terri (January 16, 2017). "Legion: X-Men Producer on How Professor X Fits in and Future TV Plans". IGN. Archived from the original on January 17, 2017. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Desta, Yohana (October 9, 2016). "The Surprising Connection Between Marvel's Legion and Pink Floyd". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Ihnat, Gwen (February 8, 2017). "Aubrey Plaza says Legion "is just going to get crazier"". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Desta, Yohana (February 8, 2017). "How David Bowie Inspired Aubrey Plaza's Gender-Bending Legion Character". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on February 8, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "FX Networks Picks Up 'Legion' to Series". Marvel.com. May 31, 2016. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Romano, Nick (October 9, 2016). "Why FX's Legion is the Fargo of superhero TV". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Strom, Marc (December 5, 2016). "The highly-anticipated new drama to premiere in February!". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on December 6, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Sepinwall, Alan (February 8, 2017). "'Legion' Creator Noah Hawley Breaks Down That Trippy Premiere". Uproxx. Archived from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Bennett, Tara (January 12, 2017). "Legion aims to be a Marvel show completely different from the pack". SyFyWire. Archived from the original on January 28, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Goldberg, Leslie (February 18, 2016). "FX's 'X-Men' Drama 'Legion' Adds to Cast (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (February 22, 2016). "'Legion' FX Pilot Casts Amber Midthunder". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Dornbush, Jonathon (March 1, 2016). "The League star Katie Aselton cast in FX's Legion". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Bailey, Ian (January 17, 2017). "Why the production designer of new TV series Legion has a dream job". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on January 28, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Selby, David (February 3, 2017). "Legion". The Official David Selby Blog. Archived from the original on February 10, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Petski, Denise (February 9, 2017). "'Ten Days In The Valley' Casts Ali Liebert; 'Legion' Adds Ellie Ariaza". Deadline. Archived from the original on February 13, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Nemetz, Dave (February 8, 2017). "Legion Boss Makes Sense of the Trippy Series Premiere — Plus: Grade It!". TVLine. Archived from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Patten, Dominic (October 9, 2016). "'Legion' Adds Jemaine Clement To FX Marvel Series – NY Comic-Con". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Goodman, Tim (January 26, 2017). "'Legion': TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 13, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
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