Summary
The Fall of the House of Usher is a dark modern take on Edgar Allen Poe's work, filled with familiar faces and exciting new additions to the cast.
Verna, portrayed by Carla Gugino, embodies a shape-shifting demon inspired by Poe's renowned work "The Raven," unleashing fatal repercussions upon the Usher family. Bruce Greenwood, alongside a captivating cast, breathes life into this alluring horror tale available on Netflix.
The Fall of the House of Usher cast, a massive ensemble, collaborates to bring Mike Flanagan's latest horror miniseries on Netflix to life. Flanagan's partnership with Netflix has yielded remarkable horror series, such as The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. This new miniseries takes a contemporary, sinister approach to Edgar Allen Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of Poe's works. The cast of The Fall of the House of Usher comprises both familiar faces from Flanagan's previous projects and thrilling newcomers.
The show, akin to a supernatural horror version of Succession, revolves around the Usher family, a modern American dynasty. Led by twins Roderick and Madeline Usher, the family achieved wealth and success, only for death to begin haunting them, bringing long-buried secrets to the forefront. Netflix users can anticipate a captivating horror tale to enjoy this October, with an ensemble of intriguing characters breathing life into this dark narrative.
Carla Gugino As Verna
Carla Gugino stars as Verna in The Fall of the House of Usher, a shape-shifting demon who first appears to young Roderick and Madeline Usher in their youth. Decades later, Verna reenters the lives of the Usher family, bringing about deadly and horrifying consequences during their peak of power. This character is partly inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's poem "The Raven."
Gugino, an American actor, began her career in comedies like Troop Beverly Hills and Son in Law. She gained recognition through her roles in the Spy Kids franchise and the sitcom Spin City. In addition, Gugino has delivered notable performances in films such as Sin City, American Gangster, Watchmen, and San Andreas. She has also collaborated with Mike Flanagan before on the Stephen King adaptation Gerald's Game.
Bruce Greenwood As Roderick Usher
Bruce Greenwood portrays the character of Roderick Usher in the cast of The Fall of the House of Usher. Roderick acts as the head of the Usher family and serves as the CEO of their pharmaceutical company, which has brought them immense wealth, enabling them to establish a prosperous dynasty. As a determined businessman, Roderick is also a stern father who exhibits minimal affection towards his family.
Characterized as a Canadian actor, Bruce Greenwood is most recognized for his portrayal of John F. Kennedy Jr. in the film Thirteen Days, depicting the Cuban Missile Crisis. He has also notably portrayed Captain Pike in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek movies. Additionally, Greenwood has assumed the roles of two fictional U.S. presidents in National Treasure: Book of Secrets and Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Some of his other notable performances encompass films such as Steven Spielberg's The Post, I, Robot, and Gold, as well as television shows like Mad Men, The Resident, and The People Vs. OJ Simpson.
Zach Gilford As Roderick Usher
Zach Gilford portrays the character of young Roderick Usher in The Fall of the House of Usher. This miniseries delves into the early years of Roderick and his sister Madeline, unraveling the dark secrets that resurface to haunt them during the pinnacle of their success. Gilford, an American actor, rose to fame by playing Matt Saracen, one of the football players, in the television series Friday Night Lights.
Following his five-season stint on the sports drama, Gilford went on to star in movies such as The Last Stand and The Purge: Anarchy. He has since become a frequent collaborator of Mike Flanagan, appearing in his highly acclaimed miniseries Midnight Mass and The Midnight Club.
Mary McDonnell As Madeline Usher
Mary McDonnell has joined the cast of The Fall of the House of Usher as Madeline Usher, the twin sister of Roderick. Madeline is not only Roderick's sibling but also the mastermind behind their successful business. She is always there to clean up his messes and fill in for his failures. While she deeply cares for her brother, she is willing to leave him behind in order to protect their family legacy.
McDonnell, an American actor, is widely recognized for her exceptional performances in Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves and John Sayles's Passion Fish, having received Oscar nominations for both. She is also well-known for her memorable roles as First Lady Marilyn Whitmore in Independence Day, President Roslin in Battlestar Galactica, and Rose Darko in Donnie Darko. In addition, she portrayed Sharon Raydor in The Closer and was the lead in the spinoff series Major Crimes.
Carl Lumbly As C. Auguste Dupin
Carl Lumby stars as C. Auguste Dupin in the cast of The Fall of the House of Usher. Dupin, an intelligent and determined lawyer, has a history with the Usher family, having been exposed to their malevolence many years ago. Since then, he has dedicated himself to exposing and bringing down the family for their crimes. Dupin draws inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe's character of the same name, a detective who appeared in three of Poe's stories and is considered an early influence on Sherlock Holmes.
Lumby, an American actor, has an extensive career that dates back to his role as Marcus Petrie in the 1980s crime series Cagney & Lacey. He has also achieved success in the superhero genre, being the first Black superhero on television in M.A.N.T.I.S. and lending his voice to the character Martian Manhunter in various DC animated projects. Lumby received acclaim for his portrayal of Isaiah Bradley in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and he will soon reprise this role in the MCU's Captain America: Brave New World. Additionally, Lumby previously collaborated with Mike Flanagan on Doctor Sleep, where he played the character Dick Holloran.
Samantha Sloyan As Tamerlane Usher
Samantha Sloyan portrays Tamerlane Usher in The Fall of the House of Usher. Tamerlane, the daughter of Roderick Usher, strives to establish her own individuality separate from her father's influence. Recognizing that she will not inherit the family's pharmaceutical company, Fortunato, Tamerlane creates a wellness brand as she endeavors to find her own path in life. Tamerlane's name is derived from Edgar Allen Poe's poem "Tamerlane," which recounts the story of a conqueror who relinquishes his love for a commoner in pursuit of power.
Sloyan is an accomplished American actress and a familiar face in Mike Flanagan productions. She notably portrayed Leigh in The Haunting of Hill House, Bev Keane in Midnight Mass, and Shasta in The Midnight Club. Additionally, she showcased her talent in Flanagan's horror film, Hush. Her extensive list of guest-starring roles includes appearances in Parks and Recreation, SEAL Team, and The Rookie.
T'Nia Miller As Victorine LaFourcade
T'Nia Miller joins the cast of The Fall of the House of Usher as Victorine LaFourcade, the eldest of Roderick Usher's illegitimate children. Although he believes that all his children deserve a place in the family dynasty, Victorine often struggles to balance her mission of helping others with her need to please her father and compromise her own morals. Her character's name is derived from Edgar Allen Poe's short story, The Premature Burial.
A talented English actor, Miller has made notable appearances in British series such as Witless, Free Rein, and Years and Years. Recently, she has gained recognition for her recurring roles in acclaimed shows like Sex Education, The Foundation, and The Diplomat. Additionally, she portrayed the character of Hannah Grose in The Haunting of Bly Manor.
Rahul Kohli As Napoleon Usher
Rahul Kohli portrays the character of Napoleon Usher in the acclaimed cast of The Fall of the House of Usher. Napoleon, one of Roderick Usher's illegitimate children, is a charismatic socialite and a drug addict. His reckless behavior stems from a deeply buried pain within himself. His name pays homage to the renowned French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who was featured in Edgar Allen Poe's short story, The Spectacles.
Kohli, an English actor, rose to prominence with a leading role in the comedy series iZombie, marking a significant milestone in his career. He garnered considerable attention for his portrayal of Sheriff Hassan Shabazz in the critically acclaimed Midnight Mass, further showcasing his talent. Prior to this, he collaborated with director Mike Flanagan on The Haunting of Bly Manor, solidifying his reputation in the industry.
Kate Siegel As Camille L'Espanaye
Camille L'Espanaye is the character portrayed by Kate Siegel in The Fall of the House of Usher. In the story, Camille is Roderick Usher's illegitimate child and also holds the role of the Usher family's skilled head of PR, safeguarding their secrets from the public throughout the years. The name Camille L'Espanaye is an allusion to Edgar Allen Poe's short story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue."
Kate Siegel, an American actress and screenwriter, is notably recognized as the main collaborator of filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Not only are Siegel and Flanagan married, but she has also appeared in nearly all of his movies and television series, in addition to co-writing Hush with him. She has recently showcased her talent in The Wrath of Becky and HBO's The Time Traveler's Wife.
Sauriyan Sapkota As Prospero Usher
Sauriyan Sapkota is joining The Fall of the House of Usher cast as Prospero Usher, the youngest of the Usher children who were born out of wedlock. Despite his newfound wealth, Prospero is more interested in partying than taking on a leadership role in the family business. In fact, his name is derived from Edgar Allen Poe's short story, The Masque of the Red Death. Prior to landing this role, Sapkota had the opportunity to work with Mike Flanagan again after getting his first-ever on-screen acting role in The Midnight Club. This will be Sapkota's second television role.
Katie Parker As Annabel Lee
Katie Parker stars as Annabel Lee in the cast of The Fall of the House of Usher. Annabel is Roderick's first wife and the mother of their two children, Frederick and Tamerlane. Despite Roderick's dark side, Annabel sees the best in him and remains oblivious to his flaws, while Roderick considers her to be his true love. It is worth mentioning that "Annabel Lee" is also the title of Edgar Allan Poe's last completed poem.
Parker's collaboration with Mike Flanagan began in the 2013 film Oculus, where she portrayed a minor character. However, her talent led to her involvement in several subsequent projects, gradually earning her more significant roles. In addition to being a regular in Flanagan's works, Katie Parker has also made guest appearances in popular shows like Masters of Sex, Halt and Catch Fire, and The Resident.
Michael Trucco As Rufus Wilmot Griswold
Michael Trucco portrays Rufus Wilmot Griswold in The Fall of the House of Usher. In the show, Rufus was previously the head of the pharmaceutical company Fortunato, until Roderick Usher took over. Despite not being the most intellectually gifted individual in the corporate world, Rufus relies on his confidence, charisma, and ruthless business tactics to succeed. Interestingly, Rufus Wilmot Griswold is also the name of a writer from the 1800s who was considered a rival of Edgar Allan Poe.
Trucco, a well-known American actor, is most recognized for his role as Samuel Anders in Battlestar Galactica. Prior to his involvement in The Fall of the House of Usher, Trucco also had a recurring part as Nick Petteruti on the television series How I Met Your Mother.
Henry Thomas As Frederick Usher
Henry Thomas has joined the cast of The Fall of the House of Usher, portraying the character of Frederick Usher. As the eldest child of Roderick and the presumed successor of the family business, Frederick's status is overshadowed by his siblings, who often mock him. However, beneath his façade, Frederick harbors deep insecurities that can unleash a terrifying rage, revealing the shocking depths of his capabilities. Interestingly, Frederick's name is derived from Edgar Allan Poe's short story, Metzengerstein.
From a tender age, Thomas has been actively involved in the world of acting, cementing his place in the industry with his unforgettable portrayal of Elliott in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. While this role remains a defining moment in his early career, Thomas has since cultivated a remarkable filmography as a versatile character actor in his adulthood. Notably, he has graced the screen in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York, Legends of the Fall, and Dear John. Furthermore, Thomas has embarked on numerous collaborations with director Mike Flanagan, including his portrayal of Jack Torrance in Doctor Sleep.
Mark Hamill As Arthur Pym
Mark Hamill portrays Arthur Pym, the loyal lawyer of the Usher family in The Fall of the House of Usher. Known for his unwavering dedication to the family, Arthur is not afraid to bend the rules in order to protect them. Described as someone who comfortably thrives in the shadows, his character's name is derived from Edgar Allen Poe's only complete novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.
Hamill, widely recognized as a pop culture icon for his legendary portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, has solidified his place as one of the most cherished cinematic heroes. Yet, he is also renowned for his exceptional performance as the iconic villain, Joker, in Batman: The Animated Series. Additionally, Hamill has showcased his acting prowess in notable films like Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Brigsby Bear, and Kingsman: The Secret Service.
The Fall Of The House Of Usher Supporting Cast:
Dr. Alessandra Ruiz, portrayed by Paola Nuñez, is not only Victorine's colleague but also her girlfriend. Nuñez, a talented Mexican actor, has showcased her skills in popular TV shows such as The Purge and Resident Evil. She has also portrayed Lt. Secada in Bad Boys For Life.
Playing the role of William "Bill-T" Wilson, Matt Biedel brings to life a fitness guru who is married to Tamerlane. Biedel has collaborated with Mike Flanagan in projects like The Midnight Club and Midnight Mass. Additionally, he has made appearances in renowned series such as Narcos: Mexico and The Umbrella Academy.
Crystal Balint stars as Morelle Usher, the wife of Frederick Usher and a former model and actor. Balint has made guest appearances on popular shows such as Prison Break, Arrow, and The Good Doctor, as well as appearing in Flanagan projects like Midnight Mass and The Midnight Club.
Kyleigh Curran portrays Lenore Usher, the daughter of Frederick and Morelle, and the family member whom Roderick considers "the best of the Ushers." Curran gained recognition for her notable performance as Abra Stone in the Mike Flanagan adaptation of Stephen King's Doctor Sleep.
Ruth Codd plays the character of Juno Usher, Roderick's second wife. Prior to her role in "The Fall of the House of Usher," Codd had only appeared in The Midnight Club.
Igby Rigney portrays the character of Toby. Rigney has made guest appearances on the TV show "The Sex Lives of College Girls" and had a minor role in F9. Additionally, Rigney has collaborated with Flanagan on both The Midnight Club and Midnight Mass.
Aya Furukawa plays the character Tina in the cult favorite film, The Cabin in the Woods. She has since been drawn to the horror genre, showcasing her talent in season 2 of The Terror and The Midnight Club.
Daniel Jun, a Canadian actor, has made notable appearances on shows such as Designated Survivor, The Handmaid's Tale, American Gods, and The Expanse.
Annabeth Gish stars as Eliza, showcasing her talent as a versatile and accomplished actor. Her impressive filmography includes notable movies such as Mystic Pizza, Beautiful Girls, and Nixon. In addition to her collaborations with Flanagan, Gish has delivered memorable performances on acclaimed television shows like Barry, Sons of Anarchy, Succession, and The X-Files.
Robert Longstreet portrays the character of Mr. Longfellow, further demonstrating his strong artistic partnership with Flanagan. Longstreet's impressive acting credits include his standout role as Lonnie in Halloween Kills. He has also made notable appearances in films like Sorry to Bother You, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Aquaman.
Sarah-Jane Redmond portrays Mrs. Longfellow in various television shows, including The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, The Good Doctor, and Smallville.
Nicholas Lea takes on the role of Judge John Neal, having had recurring appearances in acclaimed series such as The X-Files, NYPD Blue, and The Killing.
JayR Tinaco, portraying Faraj, has made notable appearances on various Australian legal drama series such as Rake, Swan Song alongside Mahershala Ali, and even featured in Netflix's popular show, Space Force.
Tommy Nelson, on the other hand, has been cast in the upcoming project The Fall of the House of Usher, though his specific role remains undisclosed. Nelson's portfolio boasts impressive performances in acclaimed television series including Better Call Saul, The Righteous Gemstone, and Gotham. His acting prowess extends to the silver screen as well, with roles in films like Moonrise Kingdom and The Good Shepherd.
Lulu Wilson: Wilson is best known for her performance as the titular character in the wild revenge movie Becky.