The Peripheral was a delightful sci-fi surprise in 2022 and one of our favorite shows of the year.
This futuristic dystopian series was created by Scott B. Smith, backed by executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy (creators of the HBO series Westworld).
Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher in the science fiction drama television series The Peripheral (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
Based on the novel written by William Gibson, the Amazon Original follows Flynne Fisher (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young woman who uncovers a vast mystery when she tries on a new virtual reality headset.
Now that the show has been officially renewed for a second season, we’re doubling down on our fan theories and getting excited for what’s to come.
Given the complexity of the show, this is a great time to review the characters and get to know the cast in one fell swoop.
Promotional art for season 1 of The Peripheral featuring Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
While we prepare for season 2, let’s see how the characters stack up to each other as we rank the cast of The Peripheral from shortest to tallest.
10. Charlotte Riley (Aelita West) – 5 ft 3.25 in (160.7 cm)
Charlotte Riley stands out as an intimidating force working under mysterious circumstances in the role of Aelita West.
Aelita West is an important character in the deep web of future London’s politics, but she remains missing in action for most of the show. In several episodes, Flynne and her cohorts attempt to locate Aelita, but she remains purposefully elusive.
Charlotte Riley attending the BFI London Film Festival Luminous Gala held at The Londoner Hotel in London, England on September 29, 2022 (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
At 41 years old, Charlotte Riley does an excellent job portraying this complex role, offering a compassionate look at a truly chaotic character.
9. Chloë Grace Moretz (Flynne Fisher) – 5 ft 4 in (162.6 cm)
In The Peripheral, Chloë Grace Moretz plays the lead character Flynne Fisher, a young woman living in fictional Clanton County, North Carolina, in the year 2032.
Flynne is the catalyst for the show, setting the vast mystery into motion. Due to her talents as a skilled gamer, Flynne unknowingly enters an alternate reality in London circa 2099 while trying on a prototype VR headset.
Chloë Grace Moretz in a custom Louis Vuitton cropped top, adorned with embellishments, and a black skirt with metallic heels at the premiere of The Peripheral held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, California on October 11, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Endearing, intelligent, and prepared to throw down when necessary, the 26-year-old Chloë Grace Moretz plays Flynne Fisher with style and confidence.
8. Katie Leung (Ash) – 5 ft 4 in (162.6 cm)
Katie Leung fills out the supporting cast as Ash, a “technician” who works for the wealthy character Lev Zubov.
With a shadowy past and mysterious motivations, Ash operates in a morally gray area, always keeping her true intentions as hidden as possible. Outfitted with futuristic tattoos that move on her body, Ash is easily one of the coolest characters in the show.
Katie Leung, who played Harry Potter’s love interest Cho Changin the Harry Potter film series, making an appearance at the Into Film Awards 2018 held at the BFI Southbank in London, England, on March 13, 2018 (Credit: Isabel Infantes / PA Images / INSTAR)
This is another great role for the 35-year-old Leung, who breaks out of her self-described shyness and offers a fierce performance. After a late-season change of heart, Ash could play a major role in the second season of The Peripheral.
7. T’Nia Miller (Cherise Nuland) – 5 ft 6.75 in (168.5 cm)
The futuristic London in The Peripheral hosts many different factions vying for influence, but there are few as powerful as the Research Institute.
Played by 38-year-old actress T’Nia Miller, Cherise Nuland leads the Research Institute, processing advanced technology in every profitable sector. Cold and calculated, Cherise will do anything to achieve her desired endgame, even if it means unimaginable violence.
T’Nia Miller bringing a colorful splash at the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
In the world of The Peripheral, there are very few characters who are as fashionable and intelligent as Cherise Nuland, making the role a perfect fit for T’Nia Miller.
6. Adelind Horan (Billy Ann Baker) – 5 ft 7 in (170.2 cm)
Standing proud as the tallest adult female member of the cast, Adelind Horan plays the humble Billy Ann Baker.
Living in North Carolina, Billy Ann is Flynne’s best friend, and the two keep nothing from each other. This is a bit of a problem due to Billy Ann’s tendency for gossip, but she’s still endlessly loyal, especially when things start to get serious for Flynne.
Adelind Horan making a case for lavender at the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Over the past few years, Adelind Horan has really started to shine, and we can’t wait to see what crazy antics Billy Ann gets up to in the second season of The Peripheral.
5. Louis Herthum (Corbell Pickett) – 5 ft 10 in (177.8 cm)
In Clanton County, where Flynne Fisher resides, there is one man who supersedes the law: Corbell Pickett.
Played by 66-year-old actor Louis Herthum, Corbell Pickett is a car salesman turned drug kingpin who has managed to buy off the police across Clanton.
Using his wealth, Corbell employs the majority of the city, making him a necessary evil. As Flynne digs more into the mystery of future London, her actions cause her to cross paths with Corbell, resulting in some heated scenes.
Louis Herthum attending the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
After the end of season 1, Corbell and his crew will undoubtedly be on a warpath, so you can expect more from him as the story continues.
4. Jack Reynor (Burton Fisher) – 5 ft 11 in (180.3 cm)
Played by the studly 31-year-old Jack Reynor, Burton Fisher is Flynne’s brother and protector throughout the show. Together with Flynne, Burton takes care of their sick mother, Ella, but he, too, suffers.
Due to his technologically advanced military implants, Burton can link up with his ex-squad mates but at the cost of terribly painful tremors.
Jack Reynor attending the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
As Flynne dives deeper into the world of the headset, Burton is always standing by, ready to guard Flynne against those who would do her harm.
3. Gary Carr (Wilf Netherton) – 5 ft 11 in (180.3 cm)
In London, Flynne finds both companionship and guidance in the form of Wilf Netherton.
Played by 36-year-old actor Gary Carr, Wilf is an associate of Lev Zubov and eases Flynne into the London experience. With deep ties to Aelita West, Wilf is hellbent on finding the missing woman and sees Flynne as a vital tool in her discovery.
Gary Carr at the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Out of all the characters in the show, Wilf is one of the purest and kindhearted, a rare trait among vengeful, power-hungry peers. When discussing his portrayal of Wilf, Gary Carr praised the process and found the character to be one of the most nuanced of his career.
2. JJ Feild (Lev Zubov) – 6 ft (182.9 cm)
A man of immense mystique and mystery but endlessly posh and flippant, Lev Zubov manipulates many aspects of The Peripheral.
As one of the wealthiest men in London and part of a powerful oligarchy called the Klept, Lev wrestles for power against the Research Institute with Wilf Netherton at his side.
At first, Flynne sees Lev simply as an interesting employer, but over time, she realizes that he may have darker motivations.
JJ Feild at the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Lev is played brilliantly by 45-year-old actor JJ Feild, who keeps the audience guessing with each passing episode.
1. Eli Goree (Conner Penske) – 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Conner Penske is a character that starts off small but sees fantastic development, ultimately becoming one of the show’s most important characters.
Portrayed by Eli Goree, who is the tallest main cast member in The Peripheral, Conner is a triple-amputee who operated in Burton’s military squad before a fateful accident.
Eli Goree’s 6ft 2 (188 cm) height is significantly taller than the average American male. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average height for adult males in the United States is approximately 5ft 9in (175.4 cm). Therefore, Eli Goree is approximately 5 inches (12.6 cm) taller than the average American male.
Eli Goree attending My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, California on April 7, 2018 (Credit: Tony DiMaio / Startraksphoto)
Despite his cynical and often existential look at life, Conner also provides some levity to the show with wisecracks and dark humor. Along with Burton, Conner becomes a pillar of support for Flynne, especially in the first season finale.
What We Know About the Second Season of The Peripheral
If you’re eager for more episodes, you’re in luck because The Peripheral has officially been renewed for a second season.
As of February, The Peripheral season 2 is in development, with Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy returning as executive producers.
There have been no confirmations on casting yet, but we expect everyone to return, including Chloë Grace Moretz, Gary Carr, Eli Goree, and more.
Gary Carr as Wilf Netherton and Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher in the science fiction drama television series The Peripheral (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
There is currently no official release date for The Peripheral Season 2, but we can deduce a possible date based on the production of the first season. If filming and post-production timings are similar, we may be seeing The Peripheral Season 2 as soon as October 2023.
Either way, we can’t wait to see what intense sci-fi mysteries unfold when The Peripheral Season 2 premieres!