Jeff Goldblum is no stranger to the spotlight. From his iconic role in Jurassic Park to becoming a staple in Super Bowl memes, Goldblum embodies cool like no other. But what happens when this king of charisma ascends to a literal throne? That’s exactly what Netflix’s upcoming series KAOS explores. Created by Charlie Covell, known for The End of the F*ing World, this new drama reimagines Greek mythology with a contemporary twist—placing Goldblum at the helm as Zeus, the ruthless king of the gods.
The Premise
In KAOS, Zeus (Jeff Goldblum) is no ordinary king of the gods. He’s an egomaniacal and paranoid ruler, obsessed with maintaining his power at any cost. But as a prophecy looms, foretelling the fall of his reign, Zeus becomes increasingly ruthless. Don’t be fooled by his charismatic smile—this Zeus is as cruel as he is complex, embodying a combustible mix of traits that spell danger for mortals and gods alike.
Trailer
A Zeus Like No Other
Goldblum’s portrayal of Zeus is nothing short of revolutionary. In a recent interview with Netflix’s Tudum, the actor delved into the complexity of his character: “My Zeus is a mix of charisma, cruelty, and complications. Charlie Covell’s script hit me like a bolt of lightning—smart, surprising, and profoundly moving.”
“My character is complicated and charismatic, not to mention cruel,” Goldblum revealed in an interview with Netflix. “Charlie Covell’s writing struck me like a lightning bolt—spectacularly smart, surprising, and deeply moving.”
The show’s teaser hints at Zeus’s relentless pursuit of power, wrapped in a stylish yet sinister package. Goldblum’s Zeus is not your typical god; he’s paranoid, egomaniacal, and determined to maintain his dominance at any cost. As Zeus spirals deeper into madness, viewers are introduced to the human characters who must navigate the chaos he creates.
The Cast
A Cast of Divine and Mortal Characters
The series doesn’t just focus on Zeus. The cast is filled with formidable characters from Greek mythology, each with their own darkly comic twist:
- Hera (Janet McTeer): The queen of the gods and Zeus’s wife (and sister). McTeer describes Hera as a “complicated, evil, hideous” character who loves her husband and power in equal measure. Hera’s journey in KAOS is fraught with danger, especially as Zeus’s paranoia intensifies.
- Hades (David Thewlis): The god of the Underworld and Zeus’s middle brother. Thewlis brings depth to Hades, who, unlike his brothers, takes Zeus’s prophecies seriously. His attempts to help only lead to more turmoil.
- Persephone (Rakie Ayola): The queen of the Underworld and wife of Hades. Contrary to popular belief, Persephone married Hades willingly. Ayola portrays her as smart, self-assured, and deeply in love with Hades, despite the disdain from the other gods.
- Poseidon (Cliff Curtis): The god of the sea and Zeus’s younger brother. Living a relaxed life on a yacht, Poseidon is thrust into conflict when Zeus’s actions threaten his way of life.
A Dark Comedy with a Purpose
While “KAOS” dives into dark themes, creator Charlie Covell assures viewers that it’s not all doom and gloom:
“It’s a funny show,” Covell said in an interview. “I want viewers to feel like, ‘I’m going to have a good time!’”
The series promises a mix of humor and drama, exploring the egos, insecurities, and dysfunctions of the gods, all while offering a satirical take on the myths that have shaped Western culture.
A Mythological Midlife Crisis
Charlie Covell, the creator of KAOS, has been fascinated by Greek myths since childhood. Covell shared that the inspiration for the series came from pondering what it would look like if the king of the gods were having a midlife crisis. The result is a Zeus who, despite his power, is deeply insecure and fearful of an ancient prophecy that foretells the fall of his divine family.
Covell’s passion for mythology shines through in the intricate character dynamics and the show’s dark humor. “It’s a funny show,” Covell told Tudum. “I want viewers to feel like, ‘I’m going to have a good time!’” Despite the ominous undertones, KAOS promises to be as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
The Modern Appeal of Ancient Myths
What makes KAOS truly unique is its ability to modernize ancient myths while maintaining their core essence. Goldblum’s Zeus, with his flashy tracksuits and Balenciaga sneakers, feels both timeless and utterly contemporary. His wardrobe, which includes a Napoleon ring passed down through his wife’s family, adds a personal touch that Goldblum felt was essential to embodying the character.
The supporting characters also bring a fresh perspective to these ancient stories. For instance, Orpheus (Killian Scott) is reimagined as a rock star, while Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan) struggles with his identity as the god of wine and madness, seeking more purpose in his life beyond the endless parties.
A Visual and Emotional Feast
KAOS isn’t just about great storytelling—it’s a visual and emotional feast. The series’ attention to detail, from the gods’ lavish attire to the dark, atmospheric settings, immerses viewers in a world that feels both fantastical and eerily familiar. This is a world where the divine and the mortal collide, where power is as much a burden as it is a privilege.
Janet McTeer (Hera) captured the essence of the series when she said, “The more you watch, the more scared you’ll get. Because you realize Zeus’s power and what he can do, and it’s just so fantastic.” The series’ ability to evoke such a wide range of emotions—from fear to laughter—ensures it will leave a lasting impression on its audience.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Mythological Drama
With its star-studded cast, sharp writing, and unique take on Greek mythology, KAOS is poised to be one of Netflix’s standout shows this year. Whether you’re a fan of Jeff Goldblum, Greek mythology, or simply great television, this series is one to watch. Set to premiere on August 29, KAOS promises to be a darkly comic, visually stunning exploration of power, paranoia, and the gods who hold our fates in their hands.
*Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the world of *KAOS.
