Debuting on Netflix this weekend isSpiderhead,a surrealist sci-fi thriller that starsMiles Telleras a prisoner who volunteers as a test subject in a state-of-the-art penitentiary run byChris Hemsworth’s brilliant yet unethical scientist
Directed byJoseph Kosinski, who is coming off this summer’s megahit blockbusterTop Gun: Maverick, which also starred Teller;Spiderheadpromises to be a thought-provoking delve into the limits of the human condition that stars a top-shelf cast. Check out the cast and character guide below.
Related:‘Spiderhead’ Review: Chris Hemsworth Gives His Best Performance in Joseph Kosinski’s Second Fantastic Film of the Summer
Chris Hemsworth as Steve Abnesti
Chris Hemsworth stars as Steve Abnesti, a brilliant visionary in charge of the Spiderhead Penitentiary and Research Facility, where he subjects prisoners to experimental mind-altering drugs while in pursuit of changing the human condition. As the warden, Abnesti provides his prisoners with a false sense of security and free will, yet they do not know that Abnesti is playing God with his willing test subjects who are nothing more than unsuspecting lab rats.
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth first broke into Hollywood with his small yet pivotal role as George Kirk inJJ Abrams’Star Trekreboot. Next would come Hemsworth’s ascent to into the Hollywood A-list when he was cast as the popular Marvel Comics character Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making his debut in theKenneth Branaghfilm in 2011. He’ll be reprising the role once more in this summer’sThor: Love and ThunderfromTaika Waititi. In between portrayals of the Norse god of thunder, the burgeoning Hemsworth would continue to make his mark with performances inSnow White and the Huntsmanand its followupThe Huntsman: Winter’s War, as Formula One driver James Hunt inRushdirected by Academy Award WinnerRon Howard, and as a murderous cult leader in the neo-noir thrillerBad Times at the El RoyalefromDrew Goddard, who also directed him inThe Cabin in the Woods. Spiderhead marks Hemsworth’s third project with Netflix after producing in starring in the 2020 action flickExtractiondirected bySam Hargraveand producing the recently released Interceptor starring his wifeElsa Pataky. Projects coming up for Hemsworth includeExtraction 2where he’ll reprise his role as Tyler Rake, George Miller’s highly anticipatedMad Max: Fury RoadprequelFuriosawhere he’ll be playing the villain oppositeAnya Taylor-Joy, and the still-in-development Hulk Hogan biopic withTodd Phillipsattached.
Miles Teller as Jeff
Miles Teller stars as Jeff, a prisoner who is serving life for a fatal drunk-driving incident. In exchange for a commuted sentence, Jeff agrees to volunteer for an experiment involving mind-altering drugs that are administered from a surgically attached device. This is done at the Spiderhead prison run by Steve Abnesti, a brilliant mind with a god complex. Suspicious of Abnesti’s motives, Jeff tries to outmaneuver the experiment while attempting to save the life of fellow prisoner Lizzy.
Miles Teller made an impact with his debut film role inRabbit Holeas a teen guilt-ridden over his part in the accidental death of a toddler. Teller would go on to deliver more acclaimed roles in dramasThe Spectacular NowoppositeShailene Woodleyand starring oppositeJ.K. Simmonsin the Oscar-winning filmWhiplashdirected byDamien Chazelle. Teller also ventured into more genre blockbuster fare with theDivergentseries and the ill-fated 2015 reboot of theFantastic Four. Teller would continue to impress with roles in biopicsBleed for This,Thank You For Your Service, andOnly the Brave,while scoring box-office gold alongsideTom CruiseinTop Gun: Maverick.He recently starred asThe Godfatherproducer Albert S. Ruddy in the Paramount+ limited seriesThe Offer.
Jurnee Smollett as Lizzy
Jurnee Smollettstars as Lizzy, a prisoner at the Spiderhead penitentiary who willingly signs up to participate in experiments involving mind-altering drugs in exchange for a lenient sentence. Kind-hearted yet hiding a damaged mind, Lizzy finds herself trapped in the conflict between fellow prisoner and love interest Jeff and the brilliant yet mad warden Steve Abnesti.
Jurnee Smollett first made her mark as a 10-year-old in the Southern Gothic dramaEve’s Bayou. Ever since then Smollett has continued to impress with acclaimed roles in feature films such as theDenzel Washington-directed dramaThe Great Debaters, and the superhero movieBirds of Preywhere Smollett played vigilante Black Canary. During this time Smollett also starred in popular TV showsFriday Night Lights,True Blood, andLovecraft Country. Smollett is proving to be one of the biggest rising stars in the industry, coming up she’ll reportedly be reprising her role as Black Canary in a spin-off film written byLovecraft CountrycreatorMisha Green,she’ll also be sharing the screen with Oscar winnersJamie FoxxandTommy Lee Jonesin the dramaThe Burialand will be starring opposite another Oscar Winner in the form ofAllison Janneyin the action filmLou.
Tess Haubrich as Heather
Tess Haubrichstars as Heather, a prisoner at Spiderhead who embraces her reputation as an agitator. Heather’s sessions with Jeff in particular are a standout in the film, and mark the turning point in Jeff’s suspicion towards Abnesti.
An Australian actress and model, Tess Haubrich had minor roles in blockbuster moviesThe WolverineandAlien: Covenantbefore landing a leading role in season two of theWolf Creektelevision series. Since then, Haubrich has starred in Australian television programsPine GapandBad Mothers, while also landing a recurring part in the Bourne spin-off television seriesTreadstone.
Mark Paguio as Mark Verlaine
Mark Paguiostars as Mark Vaerlaine, Abnesti’s dutiful and naïve assistant who is a true believer in his boss’ vision. Vaerlaine also monitors everyone in and out of their therapy sessions.
Spiderheadis a breakthrough film for Paguio, with the Australian actor previously seen in local productionsLonesomeandThe Unusual Suspects.
Nathan Jones as Rogan
Nathan Jonesstars as Rogan, a hulking tattooed man whose fierce, intimidating demeanor masks a keen intelligence.
Jones has long been a fixture in genre cinema especially particular action and horror films with roles inTroyalongsideBrad Pitt,Fearlesswhere he traded fists withJet Li, andMad Max: Fury Roadwhere he played the role of Rictus Erectus. Prior to working in film Jones made his mark in the WWE where he was a fixture on theSmackdownprogram.Jones will also be reprising hisFury Roadrole inFuriosa, once again sharing the screen with Hemsworth.
