New Additions to the Cast of “First Woman”
Alex Hassell, known from Rivals, and Jennifer Ehle of Contagion fame are the latest talents to join the cast of the much-anticipated lunar thriller series, First Woman. This development was first shared last week.
They will be acting alongside Andrea Riseborough and Ashley Walters in this six-part drama series produced by Mammoth Screen, a company owned by ITV Studios, in collaboration with Alcon Television and Germany’s ZDF.
Plot and Character Details
The narrative, crafted by Lydia Yeoman and George Oakes, centers around Claire Reith (played by Riseborough), a pioneering biologist and the first woman to walk on the moon. Her sudden disappearance sparks a series of suspicions directed at her fellow astronauts and a competing Chinese base. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away on Earth, her husband Ben (played by Walters) seeks to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. The series promises intense scenes alternating between Mission Control and the lunar surface as a time-sensitive investigation unfolds.
Jennifer Ehle steps into the role of Helen Sadler, an investigator for the UK Space Flight Authority, who is deeply skeptical that Claire’s disappearance from the lunar module was voluntary. Her investigation aims to peel back the layers of secrecy shrouding Mission Control.
Alex Hassell will portray Christopher Scott, the UK Prime Minister, whose polished and pragmatic approach to politics is tested as the crisis surrounding Claire’s disappearance escalates. His role highlights the pressures and decisions faced by a leader competing on a global stage amidst personal and political turmoil.
Production Insights
The filming of the series is currently taking place in Belfast, supported by Northern Ireland Screen. The expansive Studio Ulster, known as the UK’s largest virtual production facility, is being utilized to create the moon base and the lunar landscapes. The series sees Lydia Yeoman teaming up with George Oakes, who conceived the idea, and Ben Schiffer for the writing process. The visual effects are being handled by Unit VFZ in collaboration with Mammoth Screen and Alcon, with Poli Productions managing the lunar visuals under the direction of Philip Martin and production designer Gillian Devenney.
From the executive side, Mammoth Screen’s Damien Timmer is spearheading the project along with James Gandhi, Martin, Oakes, and Yeoman. The series was greenlit by Polly Hill, ITV’s Director of Drama, for broadcast across ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player. Alcon, which co-finances the series, has Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Scott Parish, Diego Piasek, Steven Johnson, and Ben Roberts serving as executive producers, with ITV Studios handling distribution.
Career Highlights of the Cast
Jennifer Ehle is widely recognized for her award-winning role in the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Her filmography includes prominent films such as The King’s Speech, Zero Dark Thirty, and Contagion. She has also made notable appearances on television, including in The Blacklist and The Good Fight, and has recently been seen in Paramount+’s 1923 and the film Lone Wolf.
Alex Hassell has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Rupert Campbell-Black in the Disney+ series Rivals. His acting credits extend across television and film, including appearances in The Miniaturist, Cowboy Bebop, and The Boys, as well as films like Suburbicon and Locked In.
Both Ehle and Hassell are managed by top talent agencies, with Ehle represented by Independent Talent Group, UTA, and Untitled Entertainment, and Hassell by United Agents and Gersh.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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