Marvel has announced the cast to its “Runaways” adaptation for Hulu, as announced today on Marvel.com. The cast is made up of young actors with credits from films and television shows that you may have seen, but are more or less unknown actors on the rise.
“Runaways” was created by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, and tells the story of six “gifted” teenagers who discover that their parents are supervillians and part of an evil crime organization known as The Pride. The teens come together to bring their parents to justice. The comic book debuted in 2003 under Marvel’s Tsunami imprint, and has won an Eisner, a Harvey and was featured as one of the Young Adult Library Services Association’s best books for young adults.
Let’s meet the cast.
Rhenzy Feliz is no stranger to either genre work or Hulu, as his credits include both Teen Wolf and Casual. He will be playing Alex, who acts as the group’s de facto leader early on in the series.
Lyrica Okano has appeared on The Affair, The Michael J. Fox Show, and is in the upcoming film Pimp. She is playing Nico Minoru, the team’s resident witch.
Virginia Gardner, formerly credited as Ginny Gardner, has appeared on Glee, How to Get Away With Murder, and The Goldbergs, and is among the most accomplished cast members. She is playing Karolina Dean, whose place of origin is not exactly what it appears.
Ariela Barer has appeared on One Day at a Time, Modern Family, and Yo Gabba Gabba, and has been acting professionally since she was 9. She’s playing Gertrude “Gert” Yorkes, but whether or not her telepathic partner is part of the show remains to be seen.
Gregg Sulkin is best known for his role on MTV’s Faking It, but has also appeared on Pretty Little Liars and Wizards of Waverly Place, completing the teen television trifecta of MTV, ABC Family, and Disney Channel. He is playing Chase Stein, and follows in his father’s engineering prowess, despite his less than brainy exterior.
And, finally, Allegra Acosta has appeared on 100 Things To Do Before High School and Just Add Magic. At 15, she is the youngest cast member, and is playing the youngest Runaway, Molly Hernandez. In the comics, this character’s name was Molly Hayes. That might not be the only change; she is a mutant in the original series, which may change Fox owns the rights to mutant characters.
Keep reading for the full press release, including quotes from co-creator Vaughan and Marvel TV executive Jeph Loeb.
No release date has been announced at this time.
‘MARVEL’S RUNAWAYS’ FINDS ITS CAST
Meet the six stars of the upcoming television project with Hulu!
The wait is over. Marvel has found their “Runaways.” Marvel Television announced today the first group of young actors has been set for “Marvel’s Runaways,” the highly anticipated project with popular streaming service, Hulu.
Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were? “Marvel’s Runaways” is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe–their parents.
Rhenzy Feliz (“Teen Wolf,” “Casual”) as Alex Wilder is a loud-and-proud nerd. Admittedly a bit of a loner, Alex spends much of his free-time playing video games, but deep down, what he wants most is to reunite his childhood group of friends.
Lyrica Okano (“The Affair,” “Unforgettable”) Nico Minoru–tough, intelligent, and independent–embodies teenage angst. A budding “Wiccan,” Nico’s carefully crafted goth appearance isolates her from her peers and family, but maybe what she really needs is someone to talk to.
Virginia Gardner (“Goat,” “Little Bitches”) as Karolina Dean, model-perfect exterior with a lot going on behind her professionally whitened smile, is burdened by the lofty expectations and responsibilities put upon her by her parents. Underneath her veneer of privilege and perfection, Karolina is experiencing a newfound eagerness to explore her identity and pursue her own desires.
Ariela Barer (“New Girl,” “One Day at a Time”) as Gert Yorkes is a purple-haired, bespectacled, contemporary riot grrrl. Never passing up a moment to stand on a soapbox, Gert sometimes wields her persona as a brash social justice warrior to mask her true feelings.
Gregg Sulkin (“Faking It,” “Don’t Hang Up,” “Anti Social”) as Chase Stein is a lacrosse-playing, high school heartthrob. While many write him off as a dumb jock, Chase exhibits flashes of untapped brilliance in engineering, not unlike his wildly successful father’s.
Allegra Acosta (“100 Things to do Before High School,” “Just Add Magic”) as Molly Hernandez, the youngest and most innocent member of her friend group, is known for her peppy positivity and a deep yearning to belong.
“The fun and chemistry that this group of talented actors create is wonderful and we’re so excited to bring these beloved characters to life,” said Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer and Head of Marvel Television.
Runaways comic co-creator and series executive consultant Brian K. Vaughn added, “I’m so excited for fans of the comic to watch this perfect cast of amazing actors, all of whom embody the spirit of their characters more than I ever could have imagined.”
“We have had a total blast bringing Brian and Adrian’s amazing story to life. We’re so happy they love the Runaways we’ve assembled as much as we do,” added Executive Producers/Showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.
Additional cast will be announced at a later date.
“Marvel’s Runaways” is executive produced by series showrunners/writers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (“THE O.C.,” “GOSSIP GIRL”) along with Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s Luke Cage,” “Marvel’s Iron Fist”) and Jim Chory (“Marvel’s Daredevil,” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones.”) Fake Empire’s Lis Rowinski will produce as well. Marvel’s Runaways is a co-production with ABC Signature Studios.
“Marvel’s Runaways” for Hulu is based on the Marvel comics created by the award- team of Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona. The book has won an Eisner, a Harvey and was featured as one of the Young Adult Library Services Association’s best books for young adults.
