The cast of the upcoming Netflix series “The Decameron” has been finalized with ten fresh members. Among the new cast members for the historical soap opera dramedy series are Tanya Reynolds, Zosia Mamet, and Tony Hale.
They were joined by Amar Chadha-Patel, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Douggie McMeekin, Lou Gala, Karan Gill, and Jessica Plummer.
The Decameron, from executive producers Jenji Kohan and Kathleen Jordan, seeks to address the topical topics of class structures, power battles, and survival in a time of epidemic with a dash of comedy. This array of endearing and raucous characters serves as its unifying force.
According to the series’ official logline, it is “set in 1348. In Florence, the Black Death had a particularly bad time. A small group of nobility can take refuge in a magnificent home in the Italian countryside with their servants and enjoy a luxury vacation while the plague rages. But as social conventions start to crumble, what begins as a wine-soaked romp in the Tuscan hills becomes a full-on struggle for survival.
Chadha-Patel (“Willow,” “Wheel of Time”) will play Dioneo, a doctor who finds himself in a difficult social limbo between the high and lower classes because of his line of work. The intuitive, sage, and reliable pillar of Villa Santa, Stratilia, will be played by Farzad (“I Hate Suzie,” “Better”). She makes a concerted effort to avoid conflict and keep her secrets.
Actor Gala (Secrets of History, Julia) will play Neifile. Neifile is a woman of contradictions renowned for her extreme libido. Her stay at the villa had a profoundly altering effect on her. The charming and crafty Panfilo will likely be played by Gill (“I May Destroy You,” “Screw”). Panfilo is a powerful presence at the villa and the son of a well-known political family in Florence.
Sirisco, the accommodating yet unprepared and eager-to-please steward of Villa Santa, will be played by Hale (he/him; “Veep,” “Being The Ricardos”)
As Misia, Jackson (“Derry Girls”) will be the lead. Misia is described as Pampinea’s codependent servant in her character biography. She adores her strict master and finds great self-worth in doing so. Pampinea will be played by Mamet (“Girls,” “The Flight Attendant”). Pampinea, the future lady of the villa, exudes optimism and utterly lacks self-awareness. Pampinea’s well-groomed appearance hides a profound loneliness and insecurity beneath her fixation with her lofty rank.
McMeekin (“Chernobyl,” “Harlots“) will play the affluent lord Tindaro, who comes from a prestigious family. Tindaro’s impeccable credentials as a suitable bachelor are compromised by his obnoxious demeanor, excessive hypochondria, and blatant contempt for females.
As Filomena, the final surviving member of her noble family and a privileged weirdo with a chip on her shoulder, Plummer (“The Girl Before”) will star. Reynolds (“Sex Education,” “Emma”) will portray Licisca, a devoted but unpredictable servant whose life has been defined by her hard work, tough skin, and loyalty to the family she serves.
The eight-episode drama was added to Netflix in August. Jordan will be the creator, showrunner and executive producer (“Teenage Bounty Hunters”). Through her firm Tilted Productions, Kohan (“GLOW,” “Orange is the New Black”), Blake McCormick, and Tara Herrmann executive produce. In addition to directing, Mike Uppendahl (“Ratched,” “American Crime Story”) will executive produce. Four of the eight episodes will be directed by Michael Uppendahl, who will also act as executive producer.