Emilia Clarke, best known for her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones, has joined the cast of Prime Video’s upcoming series, Criminal. This new series is an adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel series by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. The comic series, which began in 2006, has been a significant player in the crime genre, earning numerous awards and accolades over the years.
Clarke will portray Mallory, a character described as a “slick and daring armed robber, as quick with a gun as she is with her wits.” Mallory is part of a heist crew alongside Ricky Lawless, played by Gus Halper. Their relationship is intense and reminiscent of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. Mallory is a complex character, living on the edge and harboring secrets that could endanger her entire crew.
The series boasts a star-studded cast, including Charlie Hunnam, Richard Jenkins, John Hawkes, Adria Arjona, Logan Browning, Kadeem Hardison, Pat Healy, Taylor Sele, Aliyah Camacho, Michael Mando, Marvin Jones III, Michael Xavier, and Dominic Burgess. With such a diverse and talented ensemble, Criminal promises to be a gripping and multifaceted series.
Ed Brubaker, the co-creator of the original graphic novel, has penned the script for the pilot and will serve as co-showrunner alongside crime author Jordan Harper. Brubaker’s involvement ensures that the series will stay true to the source material while bringing a fresh perspective to the screen. Brubaker is no stranger to the world of television, having previously worked on Prime’s Batman: Caped Crusader animated series and contributing to the comic books that inspired Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
The graphic novel series Criminal has been a critical darling, winning the Eisner Award for Best New Series in 2006, Best Limited Series for Criminal: Last of the Innocent in 2012, and Best Graphic Album – New for My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies in 2019. Brubaker and Phillips have also collaborated on other successful projects, including The Fade Out, Kill or Be Killed, Reckless, and Pulp.
Clarke’s addition to the cast is a significant coup for the series. Since her breakout role in Game of Thrones, she has continued to build an impressive resume, including roles in Marvel’s Secret Invasion, Disney’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Terminator: Genisys. In 2022, Clarke made her West End stage debut in Anya Reiss’ adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.
The character of Mallory is a departure from Clarke’s previous roles, offering her the opportunity to explore a darker, more complex character. Mallory’s life is fraught with danger and moral ambiguity, making her a compelling figure in the world of Criminal. Her relationship with Ricky Lawless adds another layer of intrigue, as their passionate and tumultuous affair drives much of the series’ drama.
The series will be produced by Amazon MGM Studios, with Brubaker and Harper serving as executive producers alongside Sean Phillips, Sarah Carbiener, and Phillip Barnett. Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, known for their work on Captain Marvel, will direct the first four episodes, ensuring a high level of quality and cinematic flair.
Nick Pepper, head of U.S. SVOD wholly-owned development at Amazon MGM Studios, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Criminal is a beloved graphic novel created by the most iconic team in the history of comics. I know our global Prime Video customers will immediately embrace this story, and I look forward to working with Ed, Jordan, and the team to bring it to the screen.”
Brubaker echoed this sentiment, saying, “Sean and I have been building this world in our books for over a decade, and now to be able to bring it to life for Amazon is just incredible. And to have Amazon support the project the way they have, and show so much faith in my and Jordan’s vision for the show is even more incredible.”
With its rich source material, talented cast, and experienced creative team, Criminal is poised to be a standout series on Prime Video. Emilia Clarke’s involvement adds star power and depth to the project, making it one of the most anticipated series in recent memory. Fans of the graphic novel and newcomers alike will be eager to see how this complex and thrilling story unfolds on screen.
Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
