Have you ever wondered what makes a crime drama truly unforgettable? For fans of the hit TV series Animal Kingdom, the answer is simple: the cast. The Animal Kingdom cast plays a crucial role in the success of the show, delivering powerful performances that bring the gritty, high-stakes world of the Cody family to life.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Animal Kingdom cast, from the main players to supporting characters, behind-the-scenes insights, and the impact they had on the show. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the series, this guide will give you a deeper appreciation for the incredible talent behind Animal Kingdom.
1. Overview of Animal Kingdom
1.1. What Is Animal Kingdom?
Animal Kingdom is a gripping crime drama series that first premiered on TNT in 2016. Adapted from the 2010 Australian film of the same name, the show follows the Cody family, a Southern California clan engaged in a variety of criminal activities. The series is known for its intense storytelling, complex characters, and thrilling action sequences.
At the center of it all is the Cody matriarch, Janine “Smurf” Cody, portrayed by Ellen Barkin, who controls her family with a mix of charm and manipulation. The Animal Kingdom cast brings to life the thrilling world of the Codys, making it one of TV’s most compelling crime dramas.
1.2. Why Is the Cast So Important?
In a character-driven show like Animal Kingdom, casting is everything. Each actor adds depth and nuance to their role, creating a family dynamic that feels both authentic and unsettling. The chemistry among the cast members plays a huge part in the show’s success, as their interactions drive the story forward and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
2. Main Cast of Animal Kingdom
2.1. Ellen Barkin as Janine “Smurf” Cody
Ellen Barkin delivers a powerhouse performance as Smurf, the cunning and ruthless leader of the Cody family. Smurf is a master manipulator, balancing her role as a mother with her control over the family’s criminal empire. Barkin’s portrayal of Smurf earned critical acclaim, with fans praising her ability to make the character both terrifying and relatable.
2.2. Shawn Hatosy as Andrew “Pope” Cody
Shawn Hatosy brings intensity to the role of Pope, the oldest Cody sibling. Pope is deeply troubled, battling inner demons that often spill over into his actions. Hatosy’s ability to convey Pope’s vulnerability and volatility makes him one of the most compelling characters in the series. Key moments, such as Pope’s struggles with loyalty and morality, showcase Hatosy’s exceptional acting talent.
2.3. Ben Robson as Craig Cody
Ben Robson portrays Craig Cody, the wild and unpredictable middle sibling. Craig starts the series as the family’s reckless party boy but grows into a more complex character as the show progresses. Robson’s performance captures Craig’s evolution, showing a man torn between loyalty to his family and a desire for independence.
2.4. Jake Weary as Deran Cody
Jake Weary takes on the role of Deran, the youngest Cody sibling. Deran’s storyline explores his struggles with his identity, particularly his journey as a gay man in a hyper-masculine crime family. Weary’s nuanced portrayal of Deran’s growth and his complicated relationship with his family adds emotional depth to the series.
2.5. Finn Cole as Joshua “J” Cody
Finn Cole plays J, the teenager thrust into the Cody family’s dangerous world after his mother’s death. J’s transformation from an outsider to a key player in the family’s operations is one of the show’s central arcs. Cole’s performance captures J’s intelligence and cunning, making him a fascinating and unpredictable character.
3. Supporting Cast of Animal Kingdom
3.1. Molly Gordon as Nicky Belmont
Molly Gordon portrays Nicky, J’s love interest in the early seasons. Nicky’s involvement with the Codys introduces her to their dangerous lifestyle, and her storyline highlights the consequences of getting too close to the family.
3.2. Carolina Guerra as Lucy
Lucy, played by Carolina Guerra, is one of Smurf’s rivals and a romantic interest for Baz. Guerra’s performance adds intrigue to the series, as Lucy’s alliances and motives are often unclear.
3.3. Sohvi Rodriguez as Mia Benitez
Sohvi Rodriguez plays Mia, a young criminal connected to the Codys. Her relationship with J adds layers of tension and complexity to the series, as Mia’s loyalty is constantly in question.
3.4. Other Notable Supporting Characters
Other key supporting characters include:
- Scott Speedman as Baz: A father figure to the Cody brothers and one of Smurf’s most trusted allies.
- Christina Ochoa as Renn Randall: Craig’s on-again, off-again love interest and the mother of his child.
- Rey Gallegos as Pete Trujillo: A criminal associate of the Codys who adds an additional layer of danger to their world.
4. Behind the Scenes of the Animal Kingdom Cast
4.1. Casting Process
The casting team for Animal Kingdom faced the challenge of finding actors who could embody the raw intensity and vulnerability of the Cody family. Ellen Barkin’s casting as Smurf was a game-changer, setting the tone for the rest of the ensemble.
4.2. Chemistry Between the Cast Members
The on-screen chemistry of the Animal Kingdom cast is a testament to their off-screen camaraderie. In interviews, the actors have spoken about their close bonds, which helped them create authentic family dynamics.
4.3. Awards and Recognition
While Animal Kingdom has not won major awards, the cast has received widespread praise from critics and fans alike. Ellen Barkin, in particular, was lauded for her commanding performance as Smurf.
5. Impact of the Animal Kingdom Cast on the Show’s Success
5.1. How the Cast Elevated the Storyline
The Animal Kingdom cast brought depth and complexity to the show’s characters, elevating the storytelling. Memorable scenes, such as Smurf’s power plays or Pope’s emotional breakdowns, showcase the cast’s ability to deliver gripping performances.
5.2. Fan Reception of the Cast
Fans of Animal Kingdom have been vocal about their love for the cast, often praising the actors for making the Cody family feel real. Characters like Smurf, Pope, and Deran have become fan favorites, thanks to the performances of their respective actors.
5.3. Legacy of the Animal Kingdom Cast
Even after the show’s conclusion, the Animal Kingdom cast continues to be celebrated for their contributions to one of TV’s most compelling crime dramas. Many cast members have gone on to work on exciting new projects, further cementing their legacies in the industry.
6. Fun Facts About the Animal Kingdom Cast
- Ellen Barkin’s role as Smurf marked her return to TV after a successful film career.
- Finn Cole is also known for his role as Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders.
- Jake Weary is a talented musician and has released his own music.
- Shawn Hatosy directed several episodes of Animal Kingdom.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About the Animal Kingdom Cast
Who is the main character in Animal Kingdom?
While the show revolves around the entire Cody family, Smurf is often considered the central figure.
Which actor received the most critical praise?
Ellen Barkin and Shawn Hatosy were frequently singled out for their standout performances.
Are the cast members friends off-screen?
Yes! Many cast members have spoken about their close relationships in interviews and on social media.
What other projects have the Animal Kingdom cast worked on?
The cast has appeared in various films and TV shows, such as Peaky Blinders (Finn Cole), Southland (Shawn Hatosy), and The Big Easy (Ellen Barkin).
Conclusion
The Animal Kingdom cast is the heart and soul of the series, delivering unforgettable performances that bring the Cody family’s world to life. Their talent and chemistry have made Animal Kingdom a must-watch for fans of crime drama.
Which member of the Animal Kingdom cast is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
