Premiering on September 26, 2025, exclusively on Apple TV+, “The Savant” is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of the internet. The series follows a brilliant and enigmatic operative known only as “the Savant,” who works for a clandestine organization dedicated to combating domestic terrorism. Using her exceptional intellect and mastery of digital deception, the Savant’s mission is to infiltrate and dismantle violent online hate groups by going deep undercover, assuming false identities to get close to the dangerous men who lead them.

The plot thickens as the Savant, whose real name is Jodi Goodwin, struggles to maintain the boundary between her undercover life and her real family. Living a double life, Jodi must navigate the psychological toll of immersing herself in a world of bigotry and violence while protecting her husband and daughter from the fallout. “The Savant” promises to be a tense exploration of the modern threat of extremist ideologies propagated online, the personal cost of justice, and the courage required to confront evil from the inside.

The Savant cast with pictures

1: Jessica Chastain as the Savant / Jodi Goodwin

Jessica Chastain is a two-time Academy Award-winning actress known for her powerful performances and commanding screen presence. Born on March 24, 1977, in Sacramento, California, she gained widespread acclaim for her roles in films such as The Help (2011), Zero Dark Thirty (2012), for which she earned an Oscar nomination, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021), for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress. Chastain is also a prolific producer through her company, Freckle Films, and has starred in television projects like the miniseries Scenes from a Marriage (2021), showcasing her versatility across genres and formats.

In “The Savant,” Chastain takes on the dual role of the titular operative and her civilian identity, Jodi Goodwin. This complex part requires her to portray a woman of immense intellectual strength and emotional fortitude, constantly shifting between a calculated, undercover persona and a vulnerable wife and mother. Chastain’s proven ability to embody fiercely intelligent and emotionally layered characters makes her the ideal anchor for this high-pressure thriller, promising a performance that is both psychologically intense and deeply human.

2: Nnamdi Asomugha as Charlie Goodwin

Nnamdi Asomugha is a former NFL All-Pro cornerback who has successfully transitioned into a respected actor and producer. Born on July 6, 1981, in Lafayette, Louisiana, he first gained fame on the football field before pursuing his passion for acting. Asomugha earned critical praise for his performance in the 2020 film The Kill Team and received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his supporting role in Crown Heights (2017). He also produced and starred in the Netflix drama The Last Shift, demonstrating his commitment to meaningful storytelling.

As Charlie Goodwin, Asomugha plays the husband of Jodi, who is likely kept in the dark about the true nature of her dangerous work. His character represents the stable, domestic world that Jodi is fighting to protect, yet his presence also introduces the tension of a marriage strained by secrets. Asomugha brings a natural gravitas and emotional depth to the role, ensuring that Charlie is more than just a supportive spouse; he is a fully realized character grappling with the unexplained absences and emotional distance of his wife.

3: James Badge Dale as Keith Messier

James Badge Dale is a character actor renowned for his intense and compelling performances in both film and television. Born on May 1, 1978, in New York City, he first gained recognition as a series regular on the critically acclaimed drama *24*. He has since delivered memorable supporting roles in major films such as The Departed (2006), Flight (2012), World War Z (2013), and 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016). Dale specializes in portraying rugged, often morally complex individuals with a strong internal drive.

In “The Savant,” Dale plays Keith Messier, a character whose name suggests he may be a key figure within one of the hate organizations the Savant is targeting. Given Dale’s filmography, Keith is likely a charismatic yet deeply dangerous leader, posing a significant threat to the protagonist. His casting indicates a formidable antagonist whose intelligence and ruthlessness will create a formidable challenge for the Savant, raising the stakes of her undercover mission.

4: Cole Doman as Steve Dunicki

Cole Doman is an emerging actor known for his work in independent film and television. He has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles that require a raw and authentic approach, as seen in his performances in projects that often explore complex social and personal themes. Doman represents the new generation of character actors who bring a fresh, unvarnished realism to the screen.

As Steve Dunicki, Doman’s character is likely another member of the extremist network, possibly a younger, more impressionable recruit or a tech-savvy enabler. His role will help illustrate the recruitment tactics and the demographic diversity of these hate groups, showing how they prey on vulnerability and alienation. Doman’s performance will add a layer of unsettling authenticity to the depiction of the online world the Savant must navigate.

5: Trinity Lee Shirley as Maeve / Maeve Goodwin

Trinity Lee Shirley is a young actress beginning to build her career in television and film. While her credits may be fewer than her seasoned co-stars, her casting in a significant role opposite an actress of Jessica Chastain’s caliber indicates a promising talent. Young actors often bring a naturalism and emotional purity that is crucial for family dynamics in high-tension dramas.

Shirley plays Maeve Goodwin, the daughter of Jodi and Charlie. This role is the emotional heart of the story, representing the innocent life that Jodi is risking everything to protect. Maeve’s presence will heighten the suspense and emotional stakes, as any misstep in Jodi’s mission could have dire consequences for her child. Shirley’s performance will be key in grounding the series in the relatable fears and loves of a family.

6: Michael Patrick Thornton as Gary / Gary Thompson

Michael Patrick Thornton is an accomplished actor and the co-founder of The Gift Theatre in Chicago. He is also a wheelchair user, and his powerful performances often challenge perceptions about disability in the arts. Thornton has appeared in television series such as The Good Fight and The Exorcist, bringing a unique intensity and intelligence to every role he undertakes.

Playing Gary Thompson, Thornton’s character could serve in a variety of capacities. He might be a colleague of the Savant within the secretive organization, providing tech support or strategic guidance from a remote location. Alternatively, he could be a contact within the criminal underworld. Thornton’s commanding presence ensures that Gary will be a memorable and impactful character, regardless of his specific alignment.

7: Julian Wanderer as Cooper Messier

Julian Wanderer is a young actor whose involvement in a major series like “The Savant” marks a significant step in his career. Appearing alongside an ensemble of established stars provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase his talent on a prominent platform. His role will contribute to the intricate web of characters that populate the series’ world.

As Cooper Messier, Wanderer’s character is likely connected to James Badge Dale’s Keith Messier, possibly as a son or younger relative. This dynamic could be used to explore the generational aspect of radicalization or to add a layer of personal conflict for the antagonist. Cooper may represent the potential for redemption or the tragic consequences of being raised within a toxic ideology.

8: Valentino Musumeci as Ben

Valentino Musumeci is an actor building his career with roles in film and television. His credits show a dedication to developing his craft across various genres. Actors like Musumeci are essential for creating the believable, textured environment that a serious thriller requires, often playing pivotal roles that support the narrative’s progression.

In the role of Ben, Musumeci could be another operative within the Savant’s organization, a low-level member of a hate group, or perhaps a civilian inadvertently caught in the crossfire. The name “Ben” suggests an everyman character, whose involvement could help illustrate the collateral damage and far-reaching impact of the activities the Savant is trying to stop.

9: Richard Gant as John / PopPop

Richard Gant is a veteran character actor with a long and distinguished career spanning decades. Born on October 10, 1944, he has appeared in a vast array of films and TV shows, including The Matrix Reloaded, Rocky V, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He is often cast in roles of authority, wisdom, and warmth, such as doctors, judges, and family patriarchs.

Gant’s character, listed as both “John” and “PopPop,” is clearly a grandfather figure. He is likely the father of either Jodi or Charlie, providing a source of generational wisdom and emotional support for the Goodwin family. His presence will underscore the theme of legacy and what one generation fights to preserve for the next, offering moments of warmth and stability amidst the chaos.

10: Laurissa Romain as Yasmine

Laurissa Romain is an actress known for her work in television and independent film. She brings a diverse range of experiences to her roles, and her casting adds to the rich tapestry of characters in the series. Her specific skills and presence will be tailored to fit the needs of the complex narrative.

The character Yasmine, given her name, could be an associate of the Savant, perhaps another undercover agent or a contact from within a targeted community. Alternatively, she might be someone connected to the antagonist’s world. Her role will likely be crucial in a specific story arc, adding depth and diversity to the show’s exploration of its central themes.

11: Jeremy Bobb as Fleshy MF

Jeremy Bobb is a versatile actor recognized for his character work on stage and screen. He has delivered standout performances in series such as The Knick, The Outsider, and Russian Doll, often playing eccentric, unpredictable, or morally ambiguous characters. Bobb has a unique ability to be both captivating and unsettling.

The intriguing character name “Fleshy MF” strongly suggests a vulgar, physically imposing, and deeply unpleasant member of a hate group. This role is likely designed to be a particularly vile and direct threat, embodying the physical violence that the Savant’s targets espouse online. Bobb’s casting is a guarantee that this character will be a memorably disturbing antagonist.

12: Christina Bennett Lind as Ms. Malden

Christina Bennett Lind is an actress with credits in television series such as For Life and The Good Wife. She often portrays professional, articulate women, bringing a sense of integrity and determination to her roles. Her presence adds further credibility to the world of the show.

As Ms. Malden, Lind could play a professional contact, such as a government agent, a journalist, or a psychologist working with the Savant’s organization. Alternatively, she could be a teacher or figure connected to the Goodwin family’s civilian life. Her character will likely represent an institutional or societal interface with the central conflict.