Television got much steamier with the release of the American erotic psychological thriller miniseries Fatal Attraction. It aired on Paramount+ from April 30 to May 28, 2023, and was canceled after one season.
Written by Alexandra Cunningham and Kevin J. Hynes, Fatal Attraction is based on the 1987 movie of the same name starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close. For those unfamiliar with the plot, Fatal Attraction follows a man caught in a turbulent and dangerous affair with a woman who refuses to let him go.
(L-R) Darryl Frank, Toby Huss, Reno Wilson, Silver Tree, Alexandra Cunningham, Alyssa Jirrels, Lizzy Caplan, Joshua Jackson, Amanda Peet, Dee Wallace, Nicole Clemens, Brian Goodman, and Justin Falvey attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount +’s “Fatal Attraction” at SilverScreen Theater on April 24, 2023, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
The series delves into complex themes such as coercive control, personality disorders, and modern perceptions of strong women while exploring age-old marriage and infidelity issues.
While the series follows the same basic plot as the movie, it has been updated to reflect more contemporary viewpoints and sensibilities. Silver Tree directs the show and promises viewers a gripping and suspenseful ride.
With a talented cast bringing these characters to life, fans of the original movie and newcomers alike will surely be on the edge of their seats.
1. Brian Goodman as Arthur Tomlinson – Beth’s Loyal Confidant and Business Partner
Brian Goodman, standing at 6ft 2 inches (188 cm), brings his talent and experience to the role of Arthur Tomlinson, Beth’s loyal friend and business partner.
Brian Goodman exudes classic sophistication in a tailored gray plaid suit paired with a simple black shirt and polished black dress shoes at the Fatal Attraction premiere (Credit: Ryan Hartford / Startraksphoto)
While many may recognize Brian for his portrayal of Major Boswell in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, his impressive body of work includes a diverse range of roles in the crime thriller genre.
He has played Lieutenant Sean Cavanaugh in seasons three and four of Rizzoli & Isles, Donovan Stubbin in Line of Fire, and Pat Kelly in What Doesn’t Kill You, which he also co-wrote and directed in 2008.
Brian Goodman as Sean Cavanaugh and Lee Thompson Young as Barold “Barry” Frost in the American crime drama television series Rizzoli & Isles (Credit: TNT)
With a career spanning over two decades, the American actor has made recurring and guest appearances in numerous movies and TV shows, such as playing Ryan Pryce in Lost, appearing in two episodes of 24, and having roles in films such as The Last Castle and Catch Me If You Can.
2. Reno Wilson as Detective Earl Booker – The Tough Cop Investigating Dan’s Dark Secrets
Reno Wilson, standing 6ft 1 inch (185 cm), brings his commanding presence and versatile acting skills to the role of respected Detective Earl Booker in the Fatal Attraction reboot.
Reno Wilson keeps it effortlessly cool at the Fatal Attraction premiere, pairing a light gray suit with a casual white tee and stylish white sneakers for a relaxed yet polished look (Credit: Ryan Hartford / Startraksphoto)
Reno has made a name for himself in film and television. He first gained recognition for his recurring role as Howard on Seasons 5 and 6 of The Cosby Show.
He has since appeared in various roles, including James Lewis in Bel-Air, Stan Hill in Good Girls, and Officer Carl McMillan in the American sitcom Mike & Molly. He also had a memorable turn in the action films Crank and Crank: High Voltage.
Reno Wilson portrayed the character of Stan Hill, while Retta played Ruby Hill in the American crime comedy-drama television series Good Girls (Credit: NBC)
The American actor has also lent his voice to several successful projects, including the Transformers series, where he voiced characters such as Frenzy, Mudflap, and Brains. He has also provided voiceover work for video games like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Final Fantasy XIII.
3. Joshua Jackson as Dan Gallagher – The Man at the Center of a Dangerous Affair
Joshua Jackson is 6ft 1 inch (185.4 cm) tall and plays Dan Gallagher, a married father and successful New York City attorney whose life is turned upside down when he begins an affair with Alex Forrest.
Lizzy Caplan stuns in a sleek red slip dress, Alyssa Jirrels dazzles in a shimmering silver gown, Joshua Jackson makes a bold statement in a rust-colored suit, and Amanda Peet looks chic in a black dress with statement ruffle details as they pose together at the Fatal Attraction premiere (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Although he is best known for his breakthrough role as Charlie Conway in The Mighty Ducks movie franchise and as Pacey Witter in the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, Joshua has also made a name for himself on both the big and small screens.
The Canadian actor starred as Peter Bishop in the Fox science fiction series Fringe and Cole Lockhart in the Showtime drama series The Affair.
Emilio Estevez portrayed the character of Gordon Bombay, while Joshua Jackson played Charlie Conway in the “Mighty Ducks” film series (Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)
In addition to his television work, Joshua has appeared in various films, including Cruel Intentions, The Skulls, and Shutter.
His recent credits include Bill Richardson in the drama miniseries Little Fires Everywhere and Dr. Christopher Duntsch in the dark crime anthology Dr. Death.
4. Toby Huss as Mike Gerard – Dan’s Trusted Ally in the District Attorney’s Office
Toby Huss is 5ft 8 inches (172.7 cm) tall and plays Mike Gerard, the tough-talking chief of investigations for the DA. As Dan’s confidant and colleague, he may be the only one who can help him navigate the dangerous consequences of his affair with Alex.
Michael Reilly Burke looks sharp in a tailored blue suit, paired with a light blue dress shirt and a tan belt for a sophisticated yet understated look at the Fatal Attraction premiere (Credit: Ryan Hartford / Startraksphoto)
The American actor is known for his memorable performances in various projects, including his role as Steve Remo in the 1996 hit film Jerry Maguire and his portrayal of Edward, Emily’s father, alongside Hailee Steinfeld in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Dickinson.
Toby is best known for his voice-acting work on some of the most iconic animated shows of the past few decades.
He lent his voice to a wide range of characters in Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butthead franchise and played the roles of Kahn Souphanousinphone and Cotton Hill on King of the Hill for over a decade.
Toby Huss portrayed the character of Artie, while Danny Tamberelli played Little Pete Wrigley in the Nickelodeon series “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” (Credit: Nickelodeon Productions)
In HBO’s critically acclaimed series Carnivàle, he played Felix “Stumpy” Dreifuss from 2003 to 2005, and he portrayed John Bosworth in the historical drama Halt and Catch Fire on AMC.
5. Amanda Peet as Beth Gallagher – The Wife Unraveling in the Wake of Betrayal
Amanda Peet is a 5ft 6 inches (167.6 cm) tall, versatile actress who portrays Beth Gallagher, a mother and wife who finds herself caught up in her husband’s infidelity.
The American actress began her acting career with minor television roles before making her feature film debut in 1995’s Animal Room.
Amanda Peet, Sarah Paulson, Elizabeth Reaser, and Carla Gallo share a laugh while looking effortlessly chic in coordinated black outfits at the Fatal Attraction premiere (Credit: Ryan Hartford / Startraksphoto)
She gained prominence for portraying Jill St. Claire in the 2000 film The Whole Nine Yards and has since appeared in several movies, including Changing Lanes, Melinda and Melinda, and The X-Files: I Want to Believe.
Amanda is known for her ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles. In addition to her comedic turns in movies like A Lot Like Love and Gulliver’s Travels, she has taken on more serious parts, such as Jackie in High Crimes and Paris in the psychological thriller Identity.
Amanda Peet embraces city chic in a long gray double-breasted coat, layered over a patterned dress, and completes the look with sleek black knee-high boots while out in New York City on April 26, 2023 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
She has also made a name for herself on television, starring in shows such as Jack & Jill, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Brockmire. She received critical acclaim for her role as Betty Broderick in the second season of the true crime anthology series Dirty John.
6. Alyssa Jirrels as Ellen Gallagher – The Daughter Caught in Her Parents’ Turmoil
Alyssa Jirrels is a rising young actress who measures 5ft 4 inches (163 cm), and she plays Ellen Gallagher, the daughter of Dan and Beth Gallagher.
Alyssa Jirrels turns heads in a stunning, plunging silver gown adorned with shimmering sequins as she poses at the Fatal Attraction premiere, exuding confidence and glamour (Credit: Ryan Hartford / Startraksphoto)
The reboot of Fatal Attraction brings one of the most significant changes to the storyline, exploring the impact of Dan and Alex’s tumultuous relationship with his daughter Ellen. As the events of the affair spiral out of control, Ellen witnesses her family being torn apart, culminating in her father’s eventual arrest.
Alyssa, born in California on August 13, 2001, began her career with minor roles on television before starring in the 2020 films This Is the Year and Saved By The Bell.
Daniel DiMaggio as Oliver Duke Ott and Alyssa Jirrels as Audra in “How Oliver Got His Groove Back,” the twelfth episode of the fifth season of the American television sitcom American Housewife (Credit: ABC)
Her breakthrough role was as Veracity Campbell in the Disney XD series Mech-X4 in 2016. She also appeared in the Netflix comedy series Alexa & Katie in 2018 as Vanessa alongside Paris Berelc and Isabel May.
Her latest project is the Amazon Prime Video drama series As We See It in 2022, in which she plays Nicole Dietrich.
7. Lizzy Caplan as Alex Forrest – The Unsettling and Obsessed Lover
Lizzy Caplan is 5ft 4 inches (162.6 cm) tall, and she’s taking on the complex and unsettling role of Alex Forrest in the reboot of Fatal Attraction.
While Glenn Close portrayed the character in the original 1987 film, Lizzy brings her unique interpretation to the role. When Dan decides to end their affair, Alex becomes increasingly fixated on him and stalks him and his family.
Lizzy Caplan steps out in an oversized navy suit, paired with a loose tie and silver platform heels, striking a balance between androgynous cool and feminine flair during her appearance in New York City on April 26, 2023 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
Her impressive resume includes memorable roles such as Janis Ian in Mean Girls, Marlena in Cloverfield, and magician Lula in Now You See Me 2.
Lizzy debuted on the small screen in the cult classic Freaks and Geeks, which aired from 1999 to 2000. Her talent has earned her critical acclaim, such as a Primetime Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Virginia Johnson in the Showtime drama Masters of Sex from 2013 to 2016.
Lizzy Caplan and Joshua Jackson make a striking duo at the Fatal Attraction premiere, with Lizzy in a bold red slip dress and Joshua coordinating in a rust-colored suit in Los Angeles on April 24, 2023 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
In addition, her performance as a younger version of the infamous character Annie Wilkes in the Hulu anthology series Castle Rock received high praise in 2019.
Although Lizzy has proven adept at comedic roles, she truly shines when tackling more complex and nuanced characters. As Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction, Lizzy promises to deliver a performance that will leave audiences on edge and unable to look away.