Marvel and Netflix have today announced that Eka Darville (The Originals), Erin Moriarty (The Kings of Summer), and Wil Traval (Red Widow) have joined the cast of A.K.A. Jessica Jones, but based on the descriptions provided for each of the characters, it doesn’t sound as if they’re anyone from the comics!
Eka Darville plays Malcolm, a neighbor of Jessica’s whose own journey will intertwine with her quest in a surprising way. “Eka brings such depth, humor and nuanced performance to the characters he plays, which makes him the perfect person to portray Malcolm,” says A.K.A. Jessica Jones Executive Producer and showrunner Melissa Rosenberg. “I’m looking forward to seeing what he will bring to this role.”
Erin Moriarty plays Hope, a young girl who becomes a client of Alias Investigations. “In Erin I immediately recognized an incredibly talented, mature and complex actress, who brings myriad levels to every scene,” she says. “She has an incredible career in front of her and I’m delighted we have someone of her caliber for this important role.” Finally, Wil Traval plays an NYPD cop who takes “protect and serve” very seriously.
“Wil Traval is a very emotionally courageous actor, able be profoundly vulnerable, or venal, or funny or fierce,” remarked Rosenberg. “I’ve been searching for an opportunity to work with both Erin and Wil again, and am excited to see them in these roles.” Jeph Loeb, Marvel’s Head of Television adds: “All three of these enormously talented actors bring even more layers of depth and nuance to Jessica’s world. Together they help flesh out what is already a phenomenal cast in a series we believe will be truly remarkable.”
The trio join an impressive cast which so far also includes Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones), David Tennant (Kilgrave), Mike Colter (Luke Cage), and Rachael Taylor (Patricia “Trish” Walker). The 13 part series is expected to debut on Netflix at some point later this year. Joining A.K.A. Jessica Jones are Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders, though the latter three will likely not be with us until 2016 and beyond.
In the series, after a tragic ending to her short-lived super hero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her personal life and career as a detective who gets pulled into cases involving people with extraordinary abilities in New York City. To learn much more about this Marvel character, click here to check out our easy to follow guide!
