Meet the Cast of the Netflix Adaptation: A Guide to 'All The Light We Cannot See'
Meet the stellar cast of the Netflix adaptation of All The Light We Cannot See From Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure LeBlanc to Mark Ruffalo as Daniel LeBlanc, this talented ensemble brings the beloved characters to life in this gripping World War II drama
In 2004, Anthony Doerr overheard a frustrated fellow passenger venting about his dropped cellphone call while riding a train. This incident served as inspiration for Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, All The Light We Cannot See. The novel, which tells a World War II story highlighting the value of connecting with loved ones, has now been adapted into a limited series. Premiering on Netflix on November 2, the four episodes will delve into the compelling narratives of Marie-Laure LeBlanc and Werner Pfennig, the main characters. With its massive success, selling over 15 million copies, the novel's release as a series is expected to attract a wide audience. The star-studded cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, and other acclaimed actors, guaranteeing a captivating viewing experience. The show, written by Steven Knight and directed by Shawn Levy, known for Peaky Blinders and Stranger Things respectively, is set to be a hit on Netflix. Our website conducted an interview with Levy and author Anthony Doerr to explore the challenges of adapting such a highly regarded novel for television. Whether you need a refresher or are eager to dive into the Netflix series, below is a guide detailing the cast and characters to get you up to speed before the limited series premiere.
Image via NetflixAll The Light We Cannot See
The narrative centers around Marie-Laure, a visually impaired adolescent from France, and Werner, a soldier from Germany, whose lives intertwine amidst the chaos of World War II in occupied France, as they each strive to endure the widespread destruction.
Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure LeBlanc
November 2, 2023 will mark the release date of the upcoming series. The cast includes notable actors such as Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, and Lars Eidinger. This captivating series falls under the main genre of History, while also encompassing elements of Drama and War. It will consist of a single season and has been brought to life by creators Steven Knight and Shawn Levy.
Image provided by Netflix.
Residing in Paris, Marie-Laure LeBlanc lives with her father, Daniel (Ruffalo). Due to Marie-Laure's blindness, she relies on a meticulously crafted model of Paris, created by her father, to navigate and familiarize herself with the city. When France falls under Nazi occupation, Marie-Laure and her father seek refuge at her great uncle's place (Laurie). Raised to be self-reliant by her father, Marie-Laure possesses unwavering strength in the face of peril and steadfastly maintains her inquisitiveness about the world that surrounds her.
Louis Hofmann as Werner Pfennig
Newcomer Aria Mia Loberti's debut major acting role is nothing short of impressive, marking the start of a promising career. Emphasizing the importance of representation, Levy and Knight made a significant decision by casting Loberti, a blind actress, in the lead role. By purely witnessing her performance in the show's trailer, it becomes evident that Loberti's first foray into acting will undoubtedly not be her last.
Image via Netflix
The protagonist Werner Pfennig, an orphan, discovers a talent for repairing broken radios. Eventually, he stumbles upon Marie-Laure while serving as a Nazi soldier. Despite being enrolled in a boarding school that promotes Nazi Party ideologies, he grapples with conflicting emotions as he learns. Out of his affection for Marie-Laure, he conceals the radio signal from others, merging their narratives into one.
Werner, portrayed by German-born actor Louis Hofmann, has garnered numerous awards and accolades for his notable performances in German film and television. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Jonas in the acclaimed Netflix series Dark, which spanned three seasons. Prior to this, Hofmann showcased his talent in the 2015 war drama Land of Mine, demonstrating his versatility in World War II films. Keeping in line with this theme, his upcoming project includes joining the ensemble cast of the high-budget Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air.
Mark Ruffalo as Daniel LeBlanc
Image through Netflix
Marie-Laure's father, Daniel LeBlanc, serves as a locksmith at the Museum of Natural History. With exceptional skill and unwavering dedication, he proves to be an exemplary employee. His profound affection for Marie-Laure is manifested through his creation of a Paris model, which empowers his daughter to lead a boundless life. He aspires to impart knowledge about the world to her, leaving no details concealed.
Hugh Laurie as Etienne LeBlanc
Mark Ruffalo, a renowned actor, has achieved great success in his career with accolades such as a Golden Globe, an Emmy, a Screen Actor's Guild Award, and multiple Oscar nominations. His notable portrayal of Bruce Banner, also known as The Hulk, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has garnered much recognition, appearing in 10 different films and shows. Ruffalo has also showcased his talent in various impressive movies including Spotlight, Zodiac, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Foxcatcher, The Kids Are All Right, and 13 Going on 30. Given his extensive career and numerous awards and nominations, his performance as Marie-Laure's father is expected to be yet another exceptional display of his acting prowess. Currently, Ruffalo can be seen in the comedy film Poor Things, starring Emma Stone, and his remarkable performance has earned him a place in the conversation for Best Supporting Actor in awards. Excitingly, Ruffalo is set to join the ensemble cast of Bong Joon Ho's upcoming film Mickey 17, alongside Robert Pattinson.
Image via Netflix
Etienne LeBlanc, the uncle of Daniel (and the great-uncle of Marie-Laure), is a veteran of war who now experiences the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result of this trauma, he seeks solace in maintaining a structured and orderly life, keeping his existence considerably narrow. Due to his strong devotion to his family, he provides shelter to Marie-Laure amidst the peak of the war and continues to transmit educational audio recordings. It is through Etienne's broadcasts that Werner acquires the means to locate Marie-Laure.
Perhaps most well-known for his portrayal of Dr. House in the popular FOX drama House, Hugh Laurie is also recognized in All the Light We Cannot See. Although he gained fame from his eight-season run on House, Laurie has also made appearances in television shows such as Veep, Avenue 5, and Catch-22, as well as notable films like Stuart Little, 101 Dalmatians, and Sense and Sensibility. Additionally, Laurie is set to join Season 3 of the Apple TV+ series Tehran.
Lars Eidinger as Reinhold von Rumpel
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Lars Eidinger stars as Reinhold von Rumpel, a Nazi gemologist fixated on the legendary Sea of Flames. This rare diamond is reputed to grant immortality to its possessor while bringing misfortune upon those in their proximity. Reinhold's expertise in gemology has garnered him a powerful position within the Nazi party, fueling his relentless desire for the Sea of Flames. Fueling his obsession is the belief that the diamond holds the cure for his cancer, with its alleged immortality-bestowing abilities. As a character, Reinhold's complex nature is evident in his contradictory love for his children and the torment he inflicts upon others.
Lars Eidinger, a talented actor from Germany, has garnered numerous awards for his performances. He has showcased his skills in prominent movies such as "White Noise," directed by Noah Baumbach, and Tim Burton's 2019 adaptation of "Dumbo." Notably, Eidinger has also immersed himself in World War II-themed projects, including his recent portrayal in the TV miniseries "Faking Hitler."
Ed Skrein as Herr Siedler
The photo above is from Netflix.
Meet Herr Siedler, played by Ed Skrein, a Nazi soldier who pays a visit to the orphanage where Werner and his sister Jutta reside. This encounter acts as a turning point in Werner's life, as Siedler becomes the catalyst for his enrollment at a Nazi boarding school where he is indoctrinated with the values of the Nazi party. Although Siedler may not hold a lofty position of authority, his important role revolves around molding and shaping young individuals into the epitome of an ideal Nazi party member.
Marion Bailey as Madame Manec
Ed Skrein's impressive acting portfolio boasts notable projects such as Deadpool, Game of Thrones, and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Hailing from London, England, he has also made his mark in films such as If Beale Street Could Talk and Alita: Battle Angel. Up next, Skrein will captivate audiences with his portrayal of a villainous character in Zack Snyder's upcoming two-part sci-fi masterpiece, Rebel Moon.
Marion Bailey as Madame Manec
Image via Netflix
Madam Manec, Etienne's longstanding housekeeper, actively participates in the French resistance movement against the Nazi Party. She plays a crucial role in assisting Etienne with his audio broadcasts and takes care of Marie-Laure when she seeks refuge at Etienne's residence alongside her father. Though lacking significant authority, Madame Manec's determination to contribute to the resistance is truly commendable.
Two-time Screen Actor's Guild Award-Winner Marion Bailey, renowned for her role in The Crown, is a British actress. Bailey's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth's mother, The Queen Mother, not only earned her critical acclaim but also led to her two SAG Awards. In addition to her remarkable stint in The Crown, Bailey's impressive acting career includes appearances in popular British drama television shows such as Holby City, Endeavour, and Obsession. Given Bailey's immense talent and experience in dramatic roles, Madame Manec is a perfect fit for her, and her performance is bound to be extraordinary.
Luna Wedler as Jutta Pfenning
Image via Netflix
Jutta, Werner's younger sister, is a courageous young woman who adamantly stands up for her beliefs and fights for justice. Her outspoken nature and unwavering determination often create tension during a perilous period in history, when voicing one's opinion is tremendously risky. It is Jutta's broken radio that her elder brother skillfully repairs, igniting Werner's profound fascination with mending radios. While Jutta tunes in to distressing French radio broadcasts, shedding light on Germany's war crimes, she experiences profound horror. Moreover, she deeply resents Werner's enrollment in a boarding school that indoctrinates students with the repugnant principles of the Nazi Party.
Nell Sutton as young Marie-Laure LeBlanc
German actress Luna Wedler is a valuable addition to the cast, having received various accolades for her performances. With a strong presence in German television and film, she has primarily focused on the captivating drama genre. Wedler's inclusion in the cast of All the Light We Cannot See further enhances the ensemble of talented dramatic actors.
Nell Sutton as young Marie-Laure LeBlanc
Image via Netflix
In the series, Nell Sutton portrays Marie-Laure in her younger years. These flashbacks will illustrate how Marie-Laure became the independent and self-reliant young woman shaped by her father. The inclusion of these moments reinforces the horrifying impact of the Nazi party on young children, further highlighting the immense horrors of that time in history.
In addition to Aria Mia Loberti, Nell Sutton also makes her debut in acting with this role. Similar to Loberti, the seven-year-old newcomer has a legal visual impairment. The inclusion of these two talented actresses is a significant step forward for the disabled community, as Hollywood progresses towards better representation of disabilities in the entertainment industry.
The streaming of All the Light We Cannot See will commence on Netflix from November 2. To directly access the series' landing page, please click on the link below.
Stream on Netflix
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the upcoming Netflix adaptation of All The Light We Cannot See. The novel is a beautifully written and thought-provoking story that explores the human experience during World War II. I am eager to see how the series will bring the characters and their stories to life.
The cast of the series is incredibly talented, and I am particularly excited to see Aria Mia Loberti in the role of Marie-Laure LeBlanc. Loberti is a blind actress, and her casting in this role is a significant step forward in terms of representation in the media. I believe that her performance will bring a unique perspective to the character and help to make the series even more powerful.
Overall, I am very excited about the Netflix adaptation of All The Light We Cannot See. I believe that the series has the potential to be a truly special and memorable experience, and I cannot wait to see it when it premieres on November 2nd.
