Prepare for a sweeping historical drama of inheritance, power, and betrayal when “House of Guinness” premieres globally on Netflix on September 25, 2025. The series plunges into the heart of 19th-century Dublin in the aftermath of the death of brewing titan Sir Benjamin Guinness. His passing leaves a vast empire and an even larger fortune in the balance, with the terms of his will set to irrevocably shape the destiny of his four adult children: Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben. The show explores not only the bitter rivalries and shifting alliances within the family but also the profound impact of their empire on the lives of everyday Dubliners, weaving a rich tapestry of personal ambition and social change.

Leading the prestigious ensemble is a remarkable cast of rising stars and acclaimed actors. Anthony Boyle and Louis Partridge star as the Guinness heirs, Arthur and Edward, alongside Emily Fairn and Fionn O’Shea as their siblings. They are joined by heavyweights such as James Norton, Dervla Kirwan, and Michael McElhatton, who portray the friends, foes, and schemers drawn into the orbit of the powerful family. “House of Guinness” promises to be a lavish, character-driven saga in the vein of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, chronicling the bitter fight for control of one of the world’s most iconic brands.

House of Guinness full cast explained

1: Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness

Anthony Boyle, acclaimed for his roles in Masters of the Air and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, takes on the role of Arthur Guinness, likely the eldest son and presumptive heir to the brewing empire. Boyle possesses a unique ability to blend intelligence, intensity, and a touch of vulnerability, making him perfect to portray a young man burdened by immense expectation. Arthur is probably tasked with upholding the family legacy while navigating the tumultuous business landscape and the conflicting ambitions of his siblings.

Boyle’s performance will be central to the series’ exploration of duty versus desire. As Arthur, he must balance the cold, hard demands of running a global business with the complex emotional dynamics of his family. He may be a traditionalist clashing with progressive ideas or a reluctant heir forced to become a shrewd leader. Boyle will masterfully convey the immense pressure of carrying a name that is synonymous with an entire nation’s identity.

2: Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness

Louis Partridge, known for Enola Holmes and The Lost Girls, brings his charismatic and brooding energy to the role of Edward Guinness. As another son of the late mogul, Edward could be the charming but perhaps less responsible brother, a visionary with ideas that challenge the company’s traditions, or a wildcard whose allegiances are uncertain. Partridge excels at playing characters with hidden depths and a rebellious streak.

Partridge’s Edward will likely serve as a fiery contrast to his brother Arthur. Their relationship will form a core dynamic of the series, representing the classic conflict between the steadfast heir and the ambitious younger son. Edward might see the family business not just as a inheritance, but as a platform for his own ambitions, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry that could tear the family apart.

3: Emily Fairn as Anne Plunket & Fionn O’Shea as Benjamin Guinness

Emily Fairn plays Anne Plunket (née Guinness), the daughter who has married into another family, potentially placing her in a complex position regarding her inheritance and loyalties. Fairn will explore the limited but cunning power a woman could wield in a patriarchal society, possibly acting as a mediator or a secret manipulator in the family drama. Fionn O’Shea (Normal People, Dating Amber) portrays Benjamin “Ben” Guinness, the youngest son. O’Shea is adept at portraying sensitive and thoughtful characters, suggesting Ben may be an idealist caught in the cutthroat world of his family, or perhaps the most ruthless of them all.

Together, these two characters complete the portrait of the Guinness siblings. Anne’s story explores the role of women in dynastic families, while Ben’s journey will show how the youngest often fights the hardest to be heard. Their arcs will add crucial layers to the succession battle, proving that every member of the family, regardless of birth order or gender, has a stake in the outcome.

4: James Norton as Sean Rafferty

The immensely talented James Norton (Happy Valley, Grantchester) joins the cast as Sean Rafferty, a character whose Irish name suggests he is a local Dubliner whose life is intertwined with the Guinness empire. Norton often plays charismatic and complex figures, so Rafferty could be a charismatic trade unionist, a ambitious journalist investigating the family, a business rival, or a love interest for one of the Guinness children, representing a world outside their gilded cage.

Norton’s presence introduces a significant external force. Sean Rafferty will likely be the character who challenges the family’s power and exposes the human cost of their industrial expansion. He represents the social conscience of the series, ensuring the narrative doesn’t just stay within the manor walls but engages with the broader economic and political realities of Dublin.

The Supporting Ensemble: Dubliners and Schemers

The world of the Guinness family is populated by a brilliant supporting cast:

• Niamh McCormack and Seamus O’Hara play Ellen and Patrick Cochrane, likely a married couple whose lives, perhaps as brewery employees or local business owners, are directly affected by the family’s decisions.

• Jack Gleeson makes a highly anticipated return to prestige television as the ominously named Byron Hedges, almost certainly a cunning lawyer, banker, or rival businessman who thrives on the family’s discord.

• Dervla Kirwan is Aunt Agnes Guinness, a formidable family matriarch who holds her own secrets and influence over the heirs.

• Danielle Galligan plays Lady Olivia Hedges, likely Byron’s wife or sister, a sophisticated woman navigating the high society surrounding the empire.

• David Wilmot appears as Bonnie Champion, a character whose name suggests a colorful local personality, perhaps a publican or a politician.

• Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones’ Roose Bolton) brings his authoritative presence to John Potter, potentially the stern, loyal head of brewery operations or a powerful member of the board.