FX’s ‘Legion’ Adds Jemaine Clement in Mystery Role
The mystery behind FX’s X-Men adjacent drama Legion only rolls back so far with footage and panels from New York Comic-Con, and now another question mark has joined the cast. FX confirms What We Do in the Shadows star Jemaine Clement will appear in the new 2017 series, but in what capacity remains to be seen.
Series creator Noah Hawley confirmed as much over social media and at New York Comic-Con itself, while Deadline adds that Clement’s role will unfurl over multiple episodes.
Elsewhere among the panel, producers tacitly acknowledged that Dan Stevens’ David Haller would indeed represent Professor Xavier’s son, but not in a manner that may end up directly referenced within the series itself. Marvel TV boss Jeph Loeb kept mum as to any major connections with Marvel projects, but added “the fact that I’m sitting here is an indication of bridges that are being made.”
For those unaware, 2017's Legion follows the story of David Haller, a young mutant struggling with schizophrenia and psychiatric incarceration, who soon learns from a fellow patient that his voices and visions may in fact be real. Created for the New Mutants in 1985, the character is also noted as the son of Professor Charles Xavier and Gabrielle Haller.
Downton Abbey alum Dan Stevens will play David as a haunted man, trying to find his way back to sanity, but tired and about to give up until he meets the girl of his dreams. Aubrey Plaza, meanwhile, will play David’s alcoholic, drug-abusing friend Lenny, who “knows that any day now her life is going to turn around — which gives Lenny the likeable energy of the impossible optimist despite her rough demeanor.”
Fargo alum Jean Smart will play Melanie, “a nurturing, demanding therapist with a sharp mind and unconventional methods,” joining fellow Hawley favorite Rachel Keller as “Syd,” described as “Self-sufficient and street smart.” Syd uses her sharp and prickly demeanor to protect her soft core, because even though it makes her a sucker and puts her at risk, she still believes in happily ever after. Other cast members include Jeremie Harris, Amber Midthunder, Katie Aselton and Bill Irwin.
FX also specified the series was likely to feature all-new characters from the X-Men universe, independent of the movies’ continuity. Fargo showrunner Hawley wrote the pilot and serve as an executive producer alongside Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg and Marvel’s Jeph Loeb.
We’ll keep up to speed on all things Legion, but what do we make of the latest?
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