Y, FX’s adaptation of Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Gurerra’s acclaimed Vertigo comic, Y: The Last Man, announces an impressive cast that includes Diane Lane, Barry Keoghan, Imogen Poots, and Marin Ireland. One of the most ambitious comic book-related projects headed for television in recent years, Y has the potential to be game changer for FX, as the network finds itself in the unique position to deliver a show capable of addressing and commenting on several current social and political movements of the moment.
An adaptation of Y: The Last Man has been in the works for years, with several potential directors and stars lined up, though none ever came to fruition. Part of the problem is that, at 60 issues, Vaughan and Guerra’s story was too expansive for a film to do it proper justice. And, although comic books continue to drive much of Hollywood’s creative endeavors as of late, the decidedly mature, non superhero-filled story where the Earth’s male population has been wiped out in a “cataclysmic event” is nonetheless a dicey proposition for a big-budget adaptation.
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Nevertheless, after several failed attempts, the project is finally moving forward at FX with Michael Green (American Gods, Blade Runner 2049) and Aïda Mashaka Croal (Luke Cage, Jessica Jones) as showrunners, while music video and television director Melina Matsoukas will helm the pilot. Moreover, the series has lined up a stellar cast. Check out the casting breakdowns below:
“Diane Lane (Unfaithful, Under the Tuscan Sun) will play “Senator Jennifer Brown.” A Junior Senator in her first term, Senator Brown has already made a name for herself in political circles for her willingness to put personal ideals above politics. She is also the mother of Yorick and Hero Brown.
Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk, The Killing of a Sacred Deer) will play “Yorick Brown,” a young man quick to use humor to deflect from his problems who may be the lone male survivor of a worldwide plague.
Imogen Poots (Green Room, Frank & Lola, Knight of Cups) will play “Hero Brown.” A tough and confident EMT, Hero nurses a deep emotional trauma that often leads her to cross personal and professional lines.
Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel, Bulletproof, Still Star Crossed) will play “Agent 355,” a Secret Service agent who performs the duties of her job with the utmost professionalism, even under the most unexpected set of circumstances.
Juliana Canfield (Succession) will play “Beth.” A Brooklyn-based knife maker, Beth grew up on a farm and went to New York to experience the big city. She finds something endearing about the hapless Yorick and when they’re together, there’s the undeniable spark of two kids in love.
Marin Ireland (Sneaky Pete, Hell or High Water) with play “Nora,” the President’s senior assistant and right hand. She effortlessly balances family life with a job navigating the corridors of power.”
All in all, it looks as though Y has rounded up some top-notch talent to tell a smart, complex story set against the backdrop of a unique apocalypse where “the new world order of women will explore gender, race, class and survival.”
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Y does not yet have a premiere date.
Source: FX Networks
