Set against the brutal backdrop of 19th-century Barbados, Washington Black tells the gripping story of George Washington “Wash” Black, an 11-year-old enslaved boy whose life takes an extraordinary turn after a shocking death forces him to flee his plantation. Based on the acclaimed novel by Esi Edugyan, this sweeping historical drama follows Wash as he escapes bondage with the help of Christopher “Titch” Wilde, an eccentric scientist who introduces him to a world of wonder, danger, and self-discovery. From the Caribbean to the Arctic and beyond, Wash’s journey becomes an epic tale of survival, identity, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

With stunning cinematography and powerful performances, Washington Black explores themes of resilience, reinvention, and the complex bonds that form in the face of oppression. As Wash navigates a world that seeks to define him by his past, he must carve out his own destiny—one that defies the expectations of those who see him as either property or a curiosity. This visually breathtaking series blends historical drama with elements of adventure and mystery, creating a story that is as emotionally compelling as it is visually spectacular.

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Washington Black: Meet the Cast

1- Sterling K. Brown as Medwin Harris

Academy Award nominee Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us, Black Panther) takes on the complex role of Medwin Harris, a figure from Wash’s past who reemerges in his life with secrets and unresolved tensions. Brown brings his signature depth and gravitas to the character, portraying a man whose own journey mirrors Wash’s in unexpected ways. Medwin’s presence forces Wash to confront questions of identity, loyalty, and what it truly means to be free.

Brown’s performance is layered with quiet intensity, capturing Medwin’s internal struggles and the weight of his choices. Whether acting as a mentor, an antagonist, or something in between, Brown ensures that Medwin is one of the series’ most compelling figures—a man shaped by trauma but still searching for redemption.

2- Tom Ellis as Christopher “Titch” Wilde

Tom Ellis (Lucifer, The Devil’s Hour) steps into the role of Titch Wilde, the brilliant but troubled scientist who becomes Wash’s unlikely savior. A man of contradictions—idealistic yet flawed, compassionate yet reckless—Titch introduces Wash to the marvels of science while grappling with his own family’s dark legacy. Ellis brings charm and vulnerability to the role, making Titch both inspiring and deeply human.

As Wash’s guide to the wider world, Titch’s influence is profound, but his own demons threaten to undermine their bond. Ellis masterfully navigates Titch’s moral ambiguities, creating a character who is neither hero nor villain but a deeply flawed man trying—and sometimes failing—to do what’s right.

3- Ernest Kingsley Junior as George Washington “Wash” Black

Ernest Kingsley Junior makes his breakthrough performance as Wash Black, the young protagonist whose journey from enslavement to self-discovery forms the heart of the series. Kingsley Junior delivers a remarkable portrayal, capturing Wash’s intelligence, resilience, and emotional depth as he navigates a world that seeks to define him. His chemistry with Tom Ellis’s Titch is central to the story’s emotional core.

From the plantations of Barbados to the icy expanses of the Arctic, Wash’s transformation is both physical and spiritual. Kingsley Junior conveys this evolution with subtlety and strength, ensuring that Wash’s story resonates long after the final episode.

4- Eddie Karanja as Young Wash

Eddie Karanja portrays the younger version of Wash in flashbacks that reveal key moments from his early life on the plantation. Karanja’s performance is hauntingly poignant, capturing the innocence and quiet defiance of a child born into brutality. His scenes lay the emotional foundation for Wash’s later journey.

Though his screen time may be limited, Karanja’s impact is profound, offering glimpses into the trauma and resilience that shape Wash’s character. His portrayal ensures that the audience understands the weight of Wash’s past.

5- Shaunette Renée Wilson as Big Kit

Shaunette Renée Wilson (The Resident, Black Panther) brings fierce strength to Big Kit, an enslaved woman on the plantation who serves as a protector and maternal figure to young Wash. Wilson’s performance is raw and powerful, embodying both the brutality of Kit’s circumstances and the unbreakable spirit that defines her.

Though her role is tragic, Wilson ensures that Big Kit is remembered not as a victim but as a force of resistance. Her influence on Wash lingers throughout the series, shaping his understanding of love, loss, and survival.

6- Rupert Graves as Mr. Goff

Rupert Graves (Sherlock, The Madness of King George) plays Mr. Goff, the ruthless overseer of the plantation whose cruelty sets the story in motion. Graves brings a chilling menace to the role, portraying Goff as a man who sees enslaved people as nothing more than property. His presence looms large even after Wash escapes, symbolizing the systemic evil that follows him.

Graves’ performance is understated yet terrifying, making Goff one of the series’ most hateable antagonists. His scenes are fraught with tension, underscoring the ever-present danger of Wash’s world.

7- Iola Evans as Tanna Goff

Iola Evans (The Rising, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself) plays Tanna Goff, the daughter of Mr. Goff, whose unexpected connection to Wash adds layers of complexity to the story. Evans portrays Tanna with nuance, capturing a young woman torn between her family’s legacy and her own moral awakening.

Her relationship with Wash is one of the series’ most intriguing dynamics, blurring the lines between ally and obstacle. Evans ensures that Tanna is more than just a plot device—she’s a fully realized character with her own struggles.

8- Billy Boyd as Willard

Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings, Master and Commander) takes on the role of Willard, a sailor who becomes an unlikely ally to Wash and Titch during their travels. Boyd brings warmth and humor to the part, offering moments of levity in an otherwise intense narrative.

Willard’s loyalty and courage make him a fan favorite, and Boyd’s performance ensures that even in a smaller role, he leaves a lasting impression.

9- Naika Toussaint as Naomi

Naika Toussaint (The Expanse, Shadowhunters) portrays Naomi, a free Black woman who crosses paths with Wash and challenges his perceptions of identity and freedom. Toussaint brings quiet strength to the role, embodying a character who has carved out her own place in a hostile world.

Her interactions with Wash are pivotal, forcing him to question what true independence means. Toussaint’s performance is understated yet powerful, making Naomi a standout presence.

10- Tattiawna Jones as Sam

Tattiawna Jones (Orphan Black, The Handmaid’s Tale) plays Sam, a figure from Medwin’s past whose reappearance complicates his relationship with Wash. Jones infuses the role with mystery and resilience, creating a character whose motivations remain intriguingly ambiguous.

Her chemistry with Sterling K. Brown adds emotional depth to their shared history, making their scenes together some of the series’ most compelling.

11- Rick Worthy as Drunk John

Rick Worthy (The Man in the High Castle, Battlestar Galactica) appears as Drunk John, a minor but memorable character whose interactions with Wash reveal the harsh realities of life after escape. Worthy brings gravitas to even the smallest role, ensuring that John’s impact is felt.

Though his screen time is limited, Worthy’s performance adds texture to the world of Washington Black, grounding its more fantastical elements in human struggle.

12- Chris Patrick-Simpson as Phillip Wilde

Chris Patrick-Simpson (The Witcher, The Last Kingdom) plays Phillip Wilde, Titch’s enigmatic brother whose own ambitions clash with Wash’s quest for freedom. Patrick-Simpson brings a quiet intensity to the role, making Phillip a figure of both intrigue and menace.

His relationship with Titch is fraught with tension, adding another layer of family drama to the series. Patrick-Simpson ensures that Phillip is more than just a villain—he’s a man driven by his own flawed ideals.