Premiering on September 25, 2025, on AMC+, “The Red King” is a gripping supernatural mystery set on the fictional and isolated island of St. Jory. The series follows Detective Grace Narayan as she arrives to investigate a bizarre and unsettling crime, only to find herself entangled in a community governed by ancient traditions, deep-seated secrets, and a rigid social hierarchy. The island’s inhabitants are deeply suspicious of outsiders, forcing Grace to navigate their complex, insular society while trying to uncover the truth. As she digs deeper into the case, she begins to unravel a dark history that challenges her perception of reality and threatens her own sanity.

The show promises to be a atmospheric blend of crime procedural and folk horror, where the line between superstition and fact is dangerously blurred. Detective Narayan’s investigation forces her to confront not only a potential killer but also the island’s powerful founding families and their enigmatic leader, Lady Heather Nancarrow. “The Red King” explores themes of belonging, belief, and the dark secrets that bind communities together, creating a tense and haunting narrative where every character has something to hide.

The Red King cast members and characters

1. Anjli Mohindra as Detective Grace Narayan

Anjli Mohindra is a British actress born on June 31, 1990, in Nottingham, England. She first rose to prominence in the science-fiction genre, captivating audiences with her role as Rani Chandra in the beloved children’s series The Sarah Jane Adventures, a spin-off of Doctor Who. This role established her as a familiar face in British television and led to further significant parts. Mohindra has since demonstrated impressive range, moving from sci-fi to hard-hitting drama, most notably as the tenacious Detective Sergeant Nadia Latif in the BBC’s critically acclaimed submarine thriller Vigil, and showcasing her versatility in period pieces like The Spanish Princess.

In “The Red King,” Mohindra takes the lead as Detective Grace Narayan, the outsider tasked with unraveling a sinister mystery on the isolated island of St. Jory. Her character is defined by a rational, evidence-driven mindset that is profoundly challenged by the community’s deep-rooted superstitions and closed ranks. Mohindra’s proven ability to portray intelligent, determined women who grapple with complex, high-stakes situations makes her ideally suited to guide viewers through the series’ central enigma, embodying a modern detective confronted with ancient, unexplainable forces.

2. Adjoa Andoh as Lady Heather Nancarrow

Adjoa Andoh is a distinguished English actress with a formidable career spanning theatre, television, and voice work, born on January 14, 1963, in Bristol. She has become internationally recognized for her scene-stealing performance as the sharp-witted and authoritative Lady Danbury in Netflix’s global hit Bridgerton, a role that earned her widespread critical acclaim. Andoh’s extensive filmography also includes key roles in major series such as Doctor Who and Broadchurch, and she is a highly sought-after narrator, having lent her commanding voice to the audiobook of Naomi Alderman’s The Power.

As Lady Heather Nancarrow, Andoh embodies the powerful matriarch who rules over the island’s founding family and its secretive traditions. Her character is the living repository of St. Jory’s history and the primary gatekeeper to its truths. Andoh’s unparalleled skill at projecting both immense gravitas and a hidden vulnerability ensures that Lady Nancarrow will be far more than a simple antagonist; she will be a complex and captivating figure whose motives remain shrouded in mystery, representing the very soul of the island that Detective Narayan seeks to understand.

3. Marc Warren as Ian Prideaux

Marc Warren, born March 20, 1967, in Northampton, England, is a versatile actor renowned for his portrayals of charismatic, unpredictable, and often morally ambiguous characters. He gained fame for his role as the charming conman Danny Blue in the long-running BBC series Hustle and delivered a terrifying performance as the predatory villain Dominic Foy in ITV’s The Vice. More recently, he showcased his ability to create unease in the Netflix thriller Safe, playing a psychiatrist with dark secrets. Warren excels at keeping audiences guessing, imbuing his roles with a mixture of allure and menace.

Warren’s character in “The Red King,” Ian Prideaux, is poised to be a pivotal and enigmatic figure within the island’s social fabric. Given the actor’s pedigree, Ian could be a charming local with a deeply hidden agenda or an outsider whose presence disrupts the delicate balance of power. His role is certain to add a layer of psychological complexity and potential danger to the narrative, acting as a wildcard whose true allegiance and knowledge of the island’s secrets will be a key point of intrigue throughout Detective Narayan’s investigation.

4. James Bamford as Owen Parry

James Bamford is a highly experienced stunt performer, coordinator, and actor, best known in the industry for his extensive work on The CW’s “Arrowverse” shows, particularly Arrow, where he served as a stunt coordinator and also portrayed the character of Alex Davis. His background in creating and executing complex action sequences has given him a unique physical presence and understanding of on-screen dynamics. This expertise has allowed him to transition seamlessly into larger acting roles, bringing a grounded authenticity to characters that require a strong physicality.

As Owen Parry, Bamford is expected to bring a significant physical dimension to the series. His character is likely to be deeply connected to the island’s landscape and its more strenuous, perhaps even violent, aspects. Bamford’s background suggests that Owen Parry will be a man of action, possibly serving as a guide, a hindrance, or a physical threat to Detective Narayan as she navigates the treacherous terrain and even more treacherous human elements of St. Jory.

5. Lu Corfield as Lowri Bain

Lu Corfield is a Welsh actress known for her work in both comedic and dramatic roles on British television. She has appeared in popular series such as Stella and The Indian Doctor, and has also ventured into genre television with a role in the HBO series The Nevers. Corfield has also guest-starred in Doctor Who, an experience shared with several of her co-stars, demonstrating her comfort within imaginative and high-concept narratives. Her performances often blend a sharp wit with emotional depth.

In “The Red King,” Corfield plays Lowri Bain, a member of one of the island’s core families. The surname “Bain” suggests a deep-rooted connection to the land and its history. Corfield’s skill set implies that Lowri will be a character with strong opinions and complex relationships within the community, potentially serving as a voice of local insight or skepticism towards the investigating detective. Her role will be crucial in illustrating the everyday lives and inter-family dynamics that form the backdrop of the central mystery.

6. Sam Swainsbury as Father Douglas Carrisford

Sam Swainsbury is an English actor known for his compelling supporting roles in film and television. He has appeared in projects such as the television sequel The Full Monty and the sci-fi series The Lazarus Project. Swainsbury often brings a sense of quiet intensity and reliability to his characters, making him a memorable presence even in smaller roles. His ability to portray characters with a strong internal life makes him well-suited for complex narratives.

Playing Father Douglas Carrisford places Swainsbury’s character at the heart of the community’s spiritual life. As the local priest, he is likely a confidant to many islanders and a key figure in the preservation—or questioning—of the island’s beliefs. This role positions him as a potential ally for Detective Narayan, offering historical context, or conversely, as an obstacle who may prioritize the community’s secrets over the demands of an external investigation.

7. Rosie Sheehy as Elan Parry

Rosie Sheehy is a rising star in the British acting world, primarily celebrated for her acclaimed work on the stage. She has received critical praise for her performances in productions at Shakespeare’s Globe and other prestigious theatres, earning recognition for her powerful presence and emotional range. While her television credits are growing, her extensive theatrical training indicates a formidable talent for bringing depth and nuance to complex characters.

As Elan Parry, Sheehy brings her classical training to the screen, likely portraying a character with deep ties to the island’s lore and family structures. The connection to Owen Parry suggests a significant familial role, and Sheehy’s background promises a performance rich with subtext and emotional power. Elan may represent the younger generation’s relationship with the island’s ancient traditions, caught between heritage and the unsettling events of the present.

8. Maeve Courtier-Lilley as Winter Bain

Maeve Courtier-Lilley is a promising young actress whose career is beginning to gain momentum. As a newer face in the industry, her casting brings a sense of freshness and potential to the ensemble. Her involvement in a high-profile AMC+ series alongside established names marks a significant step and suggests a role of importance to the narrative, likely representing the perspective of youth amidst the older, more set-in-their-ways islanders.

Her character, Winter Bain, with a name evoking a cold and mysterious season, is poised to be a intriguing figure. As part of the Bain family and likely a younger relation to Lowri, Winter could symbolize the future of the island or serve as a bridge between Detective Narayan and the community’s younger members. Her character may hold clues that others overlook or represent the emotional core of the story as the mystery unfolds.

9. Tuyen Do as Minh Prosser

Tuyen Do is an actress known for her work in television, including a role in the Amazon Prime sci-fi series The Peripheral. Her involvement in genre storytelling demonstrates an affinity for projects with intricate world-building and layered plots. Do’s presence adds to the diverse tapestry of characters that inhabit the world of “The Red King,” suggesting her character may offer a unique perspective distinct from the long-established island families.

The character name Minh Prosser implies she may be an outsider who has settled on the island, or perhaps part of a more recently arrived family. This position could make her either more sympathetic to Detective Narayan’s plight as another outsider or more fiercely defensive of her adopted home. Her role will likely be key in exploring themes of belonging and the integration of new blood into a deeply traditional society.

10. Natalie S Purvis as Core Islander

Natalie S Purvis is an actress who brings experience in embodying the authentic feel of close-knit communities, having appeared in shows like the Scottish drama Granite Harbour. Her casting as a “core islander” is essential for grounding the series in a sense of realism. These roles are the bedrock of the setting, representing the collective identity, suspicions, and secrets of the populace that the main characters must navigate.

While her character may not have a prominent name, the role of a core islander is vital. This character represents the everyday person of St. Jory, whose life is disrupted by the investigation and the underlying horror. Through characters like this, the audience experiences the fear, loyalty, and shared history that bind the community together, making the island itself a living, breathing character in the story.