Meet the Greek gods and goddesses in the KAOS cast

After much anticipation, the dark comedy series KAOS, created by the mind behindThe End of the F**ing World, Charlie Covell, finally premiered on Netflix on August 29, 2024! This new original series reimagines Greek mythology with a bold and modern twist, bringing the ancient gods and goddesses into a whole new light.

For those who haven't yet tuned into KAOS, the show centers around Zeus -- the all-powerful King of the Gods -- who spirals into paranoia after discovering a single wrinkle on his forehead. This seemingly small flaw sends him into a tailspin, convinced that his reign is at risk, igniting chaos not just among the gods but throughout the mortal world as well.

Since its release, KAOS has quickly become a fan favorite, captivating viewers with its witty storytelling, unique take on classic myths, and an ensemble cast that truly brings these legendary characters to life.

Intrigued? Want to dive deeper into this chaotic world and meet the gods and goddesses who rule it? You’re in the right place!

So, without further ado, let’s explore more about the show and introduce you to the talented cast that makes KAOS a must-watch!

What is KAOS on Netflix about?

As we've touched on, KAOS takes the ancient mythology of the Greek gods and gives it a modern-day makeover. The show follows Zeus as he spirals into, well... chaos, after a wrinkle on his forehead triggers a full-blown paranoia that his reign is nearing its end. But if you're craving more juicy details, Netflix’s official synopsis spills all the tea you need to know:

"Zeus has long enjoyed his status as King of The Gods. That is until he wakes up one morning and discovers a wrinkle on his forehead. Neurosis sets in, setting him off on a dangerous, paranoid path. Zeus becomes convinced his fall is coming – and starts to see signs of it everywhere.

Zeus’ once reliable brother, Hades, God of the Underworld, is secretly losing his grip on his dark dominion. There is a backlog of dead waiting to be processed and they are growing restless. Hera, Queen of the Gods, exercises dominion on Earth — and over Zeus — in her own unique way. But her power and freedom become threatened by Zeus’ growing paranoia, and she is forced to act, while Zeus’ rebellious son, Dionysus, is out of control and on course for a cosmic collision with his father.

On Earth people are aching for change, however Poseidon, God of Sea, Storms and Earthquakes (and Horses) is more concerned with the size of his super-yacht and where the next party is at. The wellbeing of mere mortals is of little interest to him. Unfortunately for the Gods some of those mortals are beginning to realise this…

These mortals – Riddy, Orpheus, Caneus and Ari - come from different walks of life and are all cosmically connected in the battle against Zeus. Each one has a very different role to play, any one of them may be destined to bring down the Gods."

- Netflix Media Center

Curious to see it all in action? Check out the official trailer below and get a sneak peek at the A-list cast bringing these divine characters to life:

Who are the Gods of KAOS?

With Greek mythology at the forefront of this series, KAOS brings plenty of divine characters to life, all portrayed by some of Hollywood’s biggest and rising names. Let’s meet the gods who are shaking things up in KAOS!

Zeus (Jeff Goldblum)

Zeus is the King of the Gods and ruler of the world. In KAOS, he’s portrayed as all-powerful but deeply insecure. When Zeus notices signs that his reign may be crumbling, his paranoia kicks off the chaos that drives the show’s plot.

Jeff Goldblum, known for his quirky charm and distinctive style, takes on the role of Zeus. The iconic American actor skyrocketed to fame with unforgettable roles in blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Independence Day.

• AGE: 71 (D.O.B: October 22, 1952)
• HEIGHT: 1.94 m
• INSTAGRAM: @jeffgoldblum
• KNOWN FOR: Jurassic Park, Independence Day, The Grand Budapest Hotel

Hera (Janet McTeer)

Hera is Zeus’s wife and the Queen of the Gods. Known in mythology as the goddess of marriage, women, and family, KAOS dives into her complex relationship with Zeus and the divine family drama that unfolds.

Janet McTeer, a highly acclaimed British actress, brings gravitas to Hera’s character. With a career spanning both stage and screen, McTeer has won numerous awards, including an Olivier Award and a Tony Award.

• AGE: 63 (D.O.B: August 5, 1961)
• HEIGHT: 1.86 m
• INSTAGRAM: Not on Instagram
• KNOWN FOR: Tumbleweeds, Albert Nobbs, Ozark

Hades (David Thewlis)

Hades, the god of the dead and ruler of the underworld, has a pivotal role in both mythology and KAOS, particularly through his relationship with Persephone.

David Thewlis, a versatile English actor, director, and author, takes on the role of Hades. He’s widely recognized for his portrayal of Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter series.

• AGE: 61 (D.O.B: March 20, 1963)
• HEIGHT: 1.89 m
• INSTAGRAM: @officialdavidthewlis
• KNOWN FOR: Harry Potter series, The Theory of Everything, Fargo

Poseidon (Cliff Curtis)

Poseidon, god of the sea, storms, and earthquakes, is reimagined in KAOS as a supercriminal more concerned with his super-yacht than with the wellbeing of mortals. His constant clashes with brothers Zeus and Hades add to the drama.

Cliff Curtis, a New Zealand actor of Māori descent, brings depth to Poseidon. Curtis is known for his roles in films like Whale Rider and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.

• AGE: 56 (D.O.B: July 28, 1968)
• HEIGHT: 1.84 m
• INSTAGRAM: Not on Instagram
• KNOWN FOR: Whale Rider, Training Day, Sunshine

Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan)

Dionysus, the god of festivity, madness, and theatre, is Zeus and Hera’s son. His wild, reckless behavior only adds to the dysfunction of the divine family in KAOS.

Nabhaan Rizwan, a rising British actor, brings youthful energy to the role of Dionysus. He gained recognition for his performances in Informer and 1917.

• AGE: 27 (D.O.B: February 7, 1997)
• HEIGHT: 1.72 m
• INSTAGRAM: @nabhaanr
• KNOWN FOR: Informer, 1917, The Accident

Persephone (Rakie Ayola)

Persephone, queen of the underworld and Hades’ wife, has a complex relationship with her husband that KAOS explores with a fresh perspective.

Rakie Ayola, a Welsh actress with a rich career in British television and theatre, portrays Persephone. Ayola won a BAFTA for her role in Anthony.

• AGE: 56 (D.O.B: May 11, 1968)
• HEIGHT: 1.65 m
• INSTAGRAM: @rakieayola
• KNOWN FOR: Anthony, Grace, Twelfth Night

Prometheus (Stephen Dillane)

Prometheus, known for his sympathy towards humans, often finds himself at odds with Zeus, making him a key player in the unfolding drama of KAOS.

Stephen Dillane, an English actor who is celebrated for his work in theatre and television, takes on the role of Prometheus. Dillane is best known for his role as Stannis Baratheon in Game of Thrones.

• AGE: 67 (D.O.B: March 27, 1957)
• HEIGHT: 1.83 m
• INSTAGRAM: Not on Instagram
• KNOWN FOR: Game of Thrones, The Hours, John Adams

These accomplished actors bring their considerable talents to breathe new life into the ancient gods of Greek mythology in KAOS.

Meet the mortals and more in KAOS

While the gods may reign supreme, the mortals and other characters in KAOS are just as crucial to the story. From rock stars to mythological figures reimagined, let’s meet the rest of the cast that brings this epic series to life!

Riddy (Aurora Perrineau)

Riddy is inspired by the mythological Eurydice, but in KAOS, she’s given a fresh twist. Portrayed by Aurora Perrineau, Riddy’s journey is central to the mortal side of the story. Perrineau has made her mark with standout performances in Westworld and When They See Us.

• AGE: 29 (D.O.B: September 23, 1994)
• HEIGHT: 1.68 m
• INSTAGRAM: @auroraperrineau
• KNOWN FOR: Westworld, When They See Us, Prodigal Son

Orpheus (Killian Scott)

Orpheus, the legendary musician, is reimagined as a modern rock star in KAOS. While his guitar may have replaced the lyre, his mythological roots as a gifted musician remain intact. Killian Scott, known for his roles in Love/Hate and Secret Invasion, brings this iconic character into the 21st century.

• AGE: 39 (D.O.B: July 6, 1985)
• HEIGHT: 1.78 m
• INSTAGRAM: Not on Instagram
• KNOWN FOR: Love/Hate, Secret Invasion, Calm With Horses

But that's not all! The KAOS universe is packed with intriguing characters, each adding their unique flair to the story. Here are some of the other talented actors, as per IMDb, rounding out the cast:

• Misia Butler as Caeneus
• Susan Wooldridge as Pious Agatha
• Leila Farzad as Ari
• Matthew Koon as Zeus Ball Boy #4
• Michelle Greenidge as The Tacita
• Stanley Townsend as President Minos
• Selina Jones as Hippolyta II
• Debi Mazar as Medusa
• Ramon Tikaram as Charon

Stay tuned to Netflix Life for more insights, updates, and recommendations!

KAOS is now streaming on Netflix