David Farnor | On 28, Jan 2023

Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation of the hit novel The Power will finally arrive on our screens this March, and new images give us a first look at the thriller.

The series, produced by SISTER (Chernobyl) and based on Naomi Alderman’s award-winning book, is set in our world, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. The Power follows a cast of remarkable characters from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

Behind the camera, Raelle Tucker (True Blood) serves as showrunner. In front, Toni Collette stars as Mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez, alongside John Leguizamo as Rob Lopez, Auli’i Cravalho as Jos Cleary-Lopez, Toheeb Jimoh as Tunde Ojo, Josh Charles as Daniel Dandon, Eddie Marsan as Bernie Monke, Ria Zmitrowicz as Roxy Monke, Zrinka Cvitešić as Tatiana Moskalev, Halle Bush as Allie Montgomery, and more.

You can see them in action in March, when the series premieres on Amazon Prime Video. Watch this space for trailer, and see stills below:

 

 

Tim Robbins, Rob Delaney, Alice Eve join Amazon’s The Power

1st March 2021

Tim Robbins, Rob Delaney, Alice Eve are leading the latest additions to the cast of Amazon’s adaptation of The Power.

The 10-part global thriller, based on the international bestselling novel of the same name, is set in our world, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. The Power follows a cast of remarkable characters from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

It will now star Tim Robbins (Here and Now, Mystic River) as Daniel Dandon, the self-righteous and self-important Republican Governor of Washington State and constant thorn in the side of Margot Cleary-Lopez, the Democratic Mayor of Seattle (Leslie Mann). Edwina Findley (Treme, If Loving You Is Wrong, Fear the Walking Dead) plays Helen, her highly competent and trusted advisor. Margot’s husband Rob is played by the previously-announced John Leguizamo, and her two younger children, Matty and Izzy, are played by Gerrison Machado and Pietra Castro.

Rob Delaney (Catastrophe) will play Tom, a silver fox news anchor loved by the audience – authoritative but warm, a reassuring presence. His younger co-anchor Kristen, played by Alice Eve (Before We Go), is smarter than she looks. She’s ambitious too. Together, they chart the slow but inexorable change in attitudes as the phenomenon unfolds.

In the power-corridors of Eastern Europe, Zrinka Cvitešić (London Spy, Capital) plays Tatiana Moskalev, wife of Moldovan President Viktor Moskalev, fiercely intelligent, a born survivor, and capable of so much more than most of the men around her realise.

Joining the East London Monke family, headed by patriarch Bernie (the previously-announced Eddie Marsan) are Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit) as the charming Ricky, Sam Buchanan (You Wouldn’t Adam and Eve It) as slow-witted Terry, and Archie Rush (Black Mirror) as the youngest of the three brothers, Darrell. Juliet Cowan (Cuckoo, Killed by My Debt) plays Barbara, Bernie’s wife and mother to his three sons and heirs. Ria Zmitrowicz (previously-announced) plays his illegitimate teenage daughter, Roxy.

Simbi Ajikawo (Top Boy, Youngers), also known as Little Simz, plays Adunola, who gives Nigerian aspiring journalist Tunde (the previously-announced Toheeb Jimoh) his first experience of the Power.

Currently in production, The Power is adapted for screen by writer, creator and executive producer Naomi Alderman, writer and executive producer Claire Wilson, and writer and co-executive producer Sarah Quintrell, working alongside an all-female writers’ room including Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Rebecca Levene and Whit Anderson. Neasa Hardiman (Jessica Jones, Happy Valley) and Lisa Gunning (whose editing credits include Fifty Shades of Grey, Seven Psychopaths and Nowhere Boy), join the all-women directing team of Reed Morano, Shannon Murphy (multi-award winning Babyteeth, Killing Eve) and Ugla Hauksdóttir (Hanna, Ófærð).

 

Eddie Marsan joins Amazon’s The Power

25th January 2020

Eddie Marsan is the latest impressive name to join Amazon’s adaptation of The Power.

The provocative thriller is based on the book by award-winning British author Naomi Alderman. The novel introduced us a world like ours, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. The series will follow its cast of remarkable characters from London to Arizona, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

The series is adapted for the screen by Alderman herself, with an all-female writers’ room and with Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale) at the helm.

The series stars Auli’i Cravalho as Jos, the daughter of Margot Cleary-Lopez (Leslie Mann), Mayor of Seattle and a loving wife and doting mother – at least, on the surface. As Margot’s political career rises, Jos finds hero own profile and abilities climbing too.

John Leguizamo plays Rob, Margot’s partner, a wonderful and supportive father who struggles as a husband and has seen his marriage to Margot cool.

Other notable players in the plot include Tunde (Toheeb Jimoh – French Dispatch, The Feed, Ted Lasso), a young and charming Nigerian journalist whose video of the Power goes viral, and Roxy Monke (Ria Zmitrowicz – Three Girls, Mr Selfridge), the illegitimate teenage daughter of feared London crime boss Bernie Monke. Her dad loves her, but won’t let her join the family business, no matter how many times she asks.

Marsan, who is a familiar face in US households thanks to his recurring role in Ray Donovan, will play Bernie, a man with his own moral logic.

Amazon has ordered 10 episodes.
 

John Leguizamo leads new additions to Amazon’s The Power

15th January 2020

John Leguizamo is leading a wave of new additions to the cast of Amazon’s new series The Power.

The provocative thriller is based on the book by award-winning British author Naomi Alderman. The novel introduced us a world like ours, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. The series will follow its cast of remarkable characters from London to Arizona, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

The series is adapted for the screen by Alderman herself, with an all-female writers’ room and with Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale) at the helm.

Auli’i Cravalho will play Jos, the daughter of Margot Cleary-Lopez (Leslie Mann), Mayor of Seattle and a loving wife and doting mother – at least, on the surface. As Margot’s political career rises, Jos finds hero own profile and abilities climbing too.

Emmy Award-winning casting directors Nina Gold (Game of Thrones) and Carmen Cuba (Stranger Things) have added to that multinational cast with a host of new additions. Leguizamo, Toheeb Jimoh, Ria Zmitrowicz, Halle Bush, Heather Agyepong, Nico Hiraga and Daniela Vega are among the additions to the ensemble.

Leguizamo (When They See Us, John Wick, Romeo + Juliet) plays Rob, Margot’s partner, a wonderful and supportive father, but he is struggling as a husband. He’s always been a point of stability and support to his wife and kids, quick to make them laugh, but recently his marriage has cooled. But when the seismic changes caused by The Power impacts the unity of the family he loves, Rob is fearful for their safety but surprised by its effect on his wife and marriage.

Jimoh (French Dispatch, The Feed, Ted Lasso) plays Tunde, a young and charming Nigerian with big dreams. An aspiring video journalist, Tunde finds himself catapulted into the international spotlight when his video capturing the effects of the Power is posted to his YouTube channel and goes viral. Suddenly the world takes notice of the change that’s happening, and Tunde determines to investigate the phenomenon, reporting from the heart of events as they spread across the globe.

Zmitrowicz (Three Girls, Mr Selfridge) plays Roxy Monke, illegitimate teenage daughter of feared London crime boss Bernie Monke. Her dad loves her, but won’t let her join the family business, no matter how many times she asks. Frustrated by her lowly position in the predominately male family hierarchy, Roxy is determined to prove that she is far more capable than her brother. When she gets her Power, and as she slowly realises its new unbridled strength, she takes matters into her own hands sparking a chain of events which spiral quickly out of control.

Newcomer Halle Bush plays Allie. Given up by her birth parents early in her life, she’s been moved from home to group home to failed adoption to yet more fostering, never spending more than a year in one place. She’s only ever had herself to rely on, especially in her current abusive foster home. So when her Power awakens she takes the first opportunity to escape, embarking on a journey across the US which leads to revelation and transformation.

Also joining the cast are: Nico Hiraga (Booksmart, Ballers, Moxie, North Hollywood) as Ryan, who provides comfort to Jos when she feels most isolated; Heather Agyepong (Noughts and Crosses, Girls – both for theatre) as Ndudi, Tunde’s close friend whose own first-hand experience of the Power on the Day of the Girls serves as catalyst for their investigations into the phenomenon; and Daniela Vega (A Fantastic Woman, Tales of the City) as Sister Maria, a support to Allie when she needs it most.

Over the first season, the series will follow its cast of remarkable characters from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world. The Day of the Girls has arrived – but where will it end?

Ugla Hauskdóttir (Hanna, Ófærð) has joined the production as director for two episodes, alongside Shannon Murphy (Killing Eve, Babyteeth) who also joins as director for two episodes.

The Power is produced by Sister and executive produced by Jane Featherstone (Chernobyl, Giri/Haji, The Split), Naomi de Pear (Don’t Forget the Driver, The Bisexual, Flowers), Naomi Alderman, Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Claire Wilson (Rocks, Little Drummer Girl, Gangs of London). The series is produced by Tim Bricknell (Trust, Taboo) and is the latest UK produced Amazon Original series.

The series goes into production in February 2020.

 

Auliʻi Cravalho joins Amazon’s The Power

14th Novemebr 2019

Auliʻi Cravalho has joined the cast of Amazon’s adaptation of The Power.

Written and created by award-winning British author Naomi Alderman, the best-selling novel introduced us a world like ours, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. The series will follow its cast of remarkable characters from London to Arizona, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

The series is adapted for the screen by Alderman herself, with an all-female writers’ room. Who do you get to star an empowering coming-of-take with a hint of the extraordinary? None other than Moana herself. Cravalho, who was the breakout star of the Disney animation, will play Jos, the daughter of Margot Cleary-Lopez, Mayor of Seattle and a loving wife and doting mother – at least, on the surface. As Margot’s political career rises, Jos finds hero own profile and abilities climbing too.

Cravalho is no stranger to streaming: she is currently starring in Brett Haley’s Netflix film Sorta Like a Rock Star. She joins the already cast Leslie Mann as Margot.

 

Leslie Mann to star in Amazon’s The Power

2nd November 2019

Leslie Mann will star in Amazon’s adaptation of The Power.

Written and created by award-winning British author Naomi Alderman, the best-selling novel introduced us a new world like ours, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. The series will follow its cast of remarkable characters from London to Arizona, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world. Everything’s about to change, for everyone.

The series is adapted for the screen by Alderman herself, with an all-female writers’ room, and is produced by Sister Pictures (Chernobyl, Cleaning Up, The Split, The Bisexual). Shot on location around the world, the series will be produced by Tim Bricknell (Trust, Taboo) and Executive Produced by Jane Featherstone (Broadchurch, Chernobyl, Utopia), Naomi de Pear (The Bisexual, Flowers), Naomi Alderman and Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale), who will also direct.

If all that talent behind the camera wasn’t enough, Amazon is now beginning to assemble the names in front of it. First up is Mann (The Other Woman, This Is 40). Taking on her first major TV role, she will take the lead as Margot, Mayor of Seattle and a loving wife and mother to three kids – according to her official campaign website. Charming, determined and smart, her rising political star brings consequences for her husband Rob and daughter Jos, in the form of greater understanding and painful betrayal.

 

Amazon to adapt The Power into new series

15th february 2019

Amazon has ordered a new series based on the best-selling novel The Power.

Written and created by award-winning British author Naomi Alderman, The Power is based on Alderman’s international best-selling novel and will be produced by Sister Pictures (Chernobyl, Cleaning Up, The Split, The Bisexual).

Among President Barack Obama’s list of his favourite books from 2017, the book introduced us a new world like ours, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. The series will follow its cast of remarkable characters from London to Arizona, Nigeria to Moldova, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world. Everything’s about to change, for everyone.

Shot on location around the world, the series will be produced by Tim Bricknell (Trust, Taboo) and Executive Produced by Jane Featherstone (Broadchurch, Chernobyl, Utopia), Naomi de Pear (The Bisexual, Flowers), Naomi Alderman and Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale), who will also direct. Amazon’s announcement of the commission includes mention of a “first season and beyond”, suggesting that the creators have the intention building this, not unlike The Handmaid’s Tale, into a multi-season saga that may or may not deviate from the book’s conclusion.

“The Power is a timely, provocative series that will powerfully resonate with the book’s passionate fans worldwide,” says Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “We’re delighted to be working with renowned writer Naomi Alderman, the talented team at Sister Pictures led by Jane Featherstone and the visionary Reed Morano, to bring this thrilling, multi-layered series to our Prime Video members around the world.”

“I’m thrilled beyond words that The Power will be broadcast around the world by Amazon,” adds Naomi Alderman. “Jennifer Salke and her team have had a huge and obvious passion for the project from the very first meeting – as well as a vision for how the show can reach the widest possible audience. The story is a global one, about the lives of women and men everywhere in the world, so I’m hugely excited that The Power will be sparking conversation and debate essentially… everywhere. We’re going to make something revolutionary and, dare I say it, electrifying.”

“From the moment we read Naomi Alderman’s propulsive, illuminating and ground-breaking novel, the whole team at Sister Pictures knew we wanted to work with her to bring it to life,” comments Executive Producers Jane Featherstone and Naomi de Pear, Sister Pictures. “We are so delighted that together we have found our home at Amazon and the perfect director in Reed, where we will be able to make a show that foregrounds Naomi’s extraordinary characters as they journey through the biggest reversal in human history.”

“Naomi’s story is like nothing I’ve seen and made me feel things so viscerally that I have honestly never felt,” says Morano. “I cannot wait to dig deep with Naomi, Sister Pictures, and Amazon Studios into this profound and masterful vision of the complex dynamics of our world reversed.”

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