Netflix may no longer be making theirs Marvel, but is definitely making theirs Millar.
Newsarama has shared Netflix's announced cast list for Jupiter's Legacy, the upcoming superhero drama based on the Image Comics series by written by Mark Millar and drawn by Frank Quitely. The series will be overseen by Steven S. DeKnight, former showrunner on Netflix's Daredevil series.
Jupiter's Legacy explores the generational conflict between a group of aging superheroes known as the Union, who used the powers they gained in 1932 for the betterment of mankind, in particular their leader, Sheldon Sampson (aka the Utopian), and their children, who are daunted by the prospect of living up to their parents' legacy. Other conflicts and themes in the book include sociopolitical and economic differences among the older heroes and the end of capitalism, in the form of Sheldon's differences with his brother, Walter, which were inspired by Millar's reaction to the Great Recession.
Oh, look. Here's the press release...
Jupiter’s Legacy, the new superhero epic from Steven S. DeKnight (Marvel’s Daredevil, Spartacus, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), confirms Josh Duhamel (Transformers; Transformers: The Last Knight) as Sheldon Sampson/The Utopian; Ben Daniels (The Crown; The Exorcist; Flesh and Bone) as Walter Sampson/Brain-Wave, Sheldon’s older brother; Leslie Bibb (Tag; GCB; Iron Man) as Grace Sampson/Lady Liberty; and Elena Kampouris (Sacred Lies; upcoming Shoplifters of the World and Summer Night) and Andrew Horton (Doctors; How to Talk to Girls at Parties) as Sheldon and Grace’s children Chloe and Brandon. In addition, Mike Wade (Timeless, NCIS, For the People) will play Fitz Small and Matt Lanter (Pitch Perfect 3; Timeless; 90210) is George Hutchence. Additional cast members to be announced.
Among the first slate of series and movies based on the stories of Mark Millar and based on the graphic novels of the same name by Millar and artist Frank Quitely, Jupiter’s Legacy follows the world’s first generation of superheroes who received their powers in the 1930s. Now, in present day, they are the revered elder guard, but their superpowered children struggle to live up to the legendary feats of their parents.
Steven S. DeKnight serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Mark Millar, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Dan McDermott, and Frank Quitely, also serving as executive producers for the series. DeKnight also will write and direct the first episode.
Specific character details are below:
JOSH DUHAMEL is Sheldon Sampson.
Sheldon Sampson (The Utopian) is the storied leader of the superhero team The Union. But times have changed, and he doesn’t understand the world we live in anymore. Or his own family.
BEN DANIELS is Walter Sampson.
Walter Sampson (Brain-Wave) is Sheldon’s older brother. A man of vast intellect and cunning who, unlike Sheldon, isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Or bloody.
LESLIE BIBB is Grace Sampson.
Grace Sampson (Lady Liberty) is Sheldon’s wife and one of the most powerful heroes on the planet. She doesn’t always agree with Sheldon, but strives to balance his ideals with the reality of the modern, often violent, world they live in.
ELENA KAMPOURIS is Chloe Sampson.
Chloe Sampson is Grace and Sheldon’s daughter. Rejecting everything her parents stand for, Chloe has forged her own hedonistic path far away from them. A path that threatens to go against everything her parents have sworn to protect.
ANDREW HORTON is Brandon Sampson.
Brandon Sampson is Grace and Sheldon’s son. In training to assume the mantle of The Utopian and become the new leader of The Union, he struggles to live up to his father’s mythic legend.
MIKE WADE is Fitz Small.
Fitz Small (The Flare) is the heart and soul of The Union. Despite suffering injuries that ended his career as a superhero, he continues to be one of the most valued members of the team. And is often the only thing holding them together in the face of an increasingly hostile world.
MATT LANTER is George Hutchence.
George Hutchence (Skyfox) was Sheldon Sampson's closest friend and ally before turning against him and the rest of his teammates in The Union. Now considered the greatest supervillain in the world, George plots his revenge on the teammates he believes betrayed him.
The premiere date for Jupiter's Legacy has yet to be announced.