Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Buccaneers on Apple TV+.
Article Overview
"The Buccaneers" is a period drama infused with a modern essence, brought to life by a vibrant and youthful cast. The characters in this series exude a relatability and contemporary appeal, captivating young viewers while capturing the essence of the original novel.
The Buccaneers, a new period drama on Apple TV+, brings Edith Wharton's unfinished novel to life with a talented young cast led by Kristine Froseth and Imogen Waterhouse. With its modern soundtrack and captivating characters, this show is a must-watch for fans of Bridgerton. While set in the 19th-century, the story feels refreshingly modern as it follows a group of bold American women on their journey to find husbands in London. Previously adapted by the BBC in the '90s, The Buccaneers now gets its turn on Apple TV+.
Kristine Froseth As Nan St. George
The characters in The Buccaneers have a similar vibe to those in Euphoria, just like Bridgerton, illustrating not only Jakeways' interpretation of Wharton's writing but also the author's knack for grounding young people in universal truths. While the 2023 version heightens the angst, accompanied by Taylor Swift songs, the youthful cast, including Kristine Forseth, Josie Totah, Alisha Boe, Imogen Waterhouse, and Aubri Ibrag, beautifully captures the essence of the book. Although most of the cast consists of emerging talents, many of them have recently appeared in popular media.
Nan Is The Precocious Younger Sister
The Buccaneers (2023) Season 1
Kristine Froseth portrays the bold and determined Nan St. George, Jinny's younger sister, who serves as the central protagonist, carrying the weight of her romantic challenges throughout the initial season. She plays a crucial role in rescuing Conchita's hastily scheduled wedding due to her pregnancy with Lord Marable's child. As a result, she not only gains the couple's gratitude but also secures an invitation to remain in London for the season and ultimately makes her debutante appearance in front of the queen. Over the years, Froseth has gained recognition for her performances in popular shows like Netflix's The Society and Hulu's Looking for Alaska. Notably, she also took on the role of a young Betty Ford in Showtime's The First Lady last year.
Imogen Waterhouse As Jinny St. George
Jinny Is The Sensible Older Sister
Portraying Nan's more conventional sister Jinny St. George is Imogen Waterhouse. Despite being often embarrassed by Nan's lively personality, Jinny agrees to stay in London with her, partly as a way to defy the upper class in New York. As Jinny becomes entangled in a world of mistaken identities, cake mishaps, and other dramatic events, her adherence to traditional customs gradually diminishes. Imogen Waterhouse is notably recognized for her roles in Braid and the fantasy series The Outpost.
Aubri Ibrag As Lizzy Elmsworth
Lizzy Is The Dreamer
Aubri Ibrag takes on the role of Lizzy Elmsworth in The Buccaneers, alongside her recent performance in Dive Club in 2021. Despite her relatively short career, Ibrag's portrayal of Lizzy effortlessly aligns with the series' proto-feminist themes. She breathes life into the character, convincingly depicting how the English aristocracy may disregard American heiresses in their pursuit of wealth. Just like Nan, Lizzy proves that the unconventional manners of the New World can joyfully disrupt traditional norms.
Josie Totah As Mabel Elmsworth
Mabel Is The Realist
Mabel Elmsworth, portrayed by the radiant Josie Totah, is the sister of Lizzy. Through Lizzy's character, the movie highlights the enduring truth that young women have always faced similar expectations to excel in both life and love. Mabel recognizes the significance of female friendships, particularly in a time when even those with noble titles, like a duke, are not immune to the threat of sexual assaults.
The Buccaneers Supporting Cast & Characters
Alisha Boe As Conchita Closson
Conchita Is The Mentor
Alisha Boe portrays Conchita Closson, whose wedding serves as the catalyst for the two groups of siblings to embark on their journey to London. Having firsthand experience with the dangers of London society, Conchita describes it as a "pit of serpents" and imparts wisdom to the sisters as they navigate its treacherous waters. Boe is renowned for her roles on Day of Our Lives and as Jessica Davis in the popular Netflix teen drama series, 13 Reasons Why.
Josh Dylan As Lord Richard Marable
Lord Marable Is The Perfect English Gentleman
The Buccaneers (2023) Season 1
Matthew Broome As Guy Thwarte
Josh Dylan takes on the role of Lord Richard Marable, Conhita Closson's fiancé, who epitomizes the epitome of a true British gentleman. Following his request, the Elmsworth and St. George sisters decide to remain in London after the wedding in order to attend the queen's debutante ball, where they will be formally presented.
Guy Is the Playboy
Matthew Broome, also known as Guy Thwarte, is introduced as one of Nan's captivating love interests in The Buccaneers. With his charming demeanor, he leaves a lasting impression on her from the moment she arrives. Despite knowing his reputation as a playboy, Nan finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, even against her instincts.
Guy Remmers As Theo The Duke Of Tintagel
The Duke Is The Broody Introvert
The Buccaneers (2023) Season 1
The brooding Duke of Tintagel, portrayed by Guy Remmers, emerges as another potential suitor for Nan. Although he is a steadfast choice, the duke grapples with social interactions. With the exception of his brief lessons, this marks Remmers' initial significant role.
Christina Hendricks As Mrs. St. George
Mrs. St George Is The Strategist
The Buccaneers (2023) Season 1
The St. George sisters, Nan and Jinny, are encouraged by their mother, Mrs. St. George, to travel to London and stay in England for a while in order to increase their chances of finding suitable husbands. Mrs. St. George acknowledges that this experience might be crucial, especially for Nan, who is considered unconventional. In The Buccaneers, Hendricks, who gained fame from her role in Mad Men, has a relatively minor role. However, her undeniable charisma allows her to make the most of even the smallest part.
Simone Kirby As Miss Testvalley
Miss Testvalley Keeps The Girls In Line
Mia Threapleton As Honoria Marable
- Mrs. St. George grants permission for the excursion of the young women on the condition that her daughter's governess, Miss Testvalley, accompanies them to ensure they remain well-behaved. Testvalley assumes the ungrateful task of trailing after the enthusiastic young women and serves as a source of comedic relief.
Honoria Doesn't Trust The New American Girls
Mia Threapleton, the daughter of actress Kate Winslet, takes on the role of Honoria Marable, the sister of Lord Richard Marable, in The Buccaneers. She initially made her debut in the film A Little Chaos alongside Winslet back in 2014 and later reunited with her mother in the 2022 BBC series titled I Am Ruth. Prior to joining the cast of The Buccaneers, Threapleton was also involved in the remake of Dangerous Liaisons.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the release of The Buccaneers on Apple TV+. The show's modern soundtrack and captivating characters make it a must-watch for fans of Bridgerton. While set in the 19th-century, the story feels refreshingly modern as it follows a group of bold American women on their journey to find husbands in London.
The characters in The Buccaneers have a similar vibe to those in Euphoria, just like Bridgerton, illustrating not only Jakeways' interpretation of Wharton's writing but also the author's knack for grounding young people in universal truths. While the 2023 version heightens the angst, accompanied by Taylor Swift songs, the youthful cast, including Kristine Forseth, Josie Totah, Alisha Boe, Imogen Waterhouse, and Aubri Ibrag, beautifully captures the essence of the book. Although most of the cast consists of emerging talents, many of them have recently appeared in popular media.