When will Netflix release Jupiter's Legacy, and who stars in the new superhero series? Based on the eponymous graphic novel from Image Comics, the highly-anticipated TV adaptation will release in 2021 and stars Josh Duhamel as Sheldon Sampson aka The Utopian. Here's what to expect for Jupiter's Legacy season 1.
Written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Frank Quitely, the original Jupiter's Legacy comic released in 2013. The storyline begins with the Wall Street crash of 1929, and follows a man's attempt to protect the American Dream after losing everything. When Sheldon Sampson acquires superhero powers at a mysterious island, he transforms into "The Utopian" and leads the Union of Justice. Over the course of two five-issue volumes, Jupiter's Legacy goes back and forth in time to explore themes of family, failure, and American ideals. A follow-up, Jupiter's Circle, released between April 2015 and May 2016.
Netflix's adaptation of Jupiter's Legacy was announced in July 2018, with Steven S. DeKnight initially serving as the showrunner before leaving due to creative differences. The series is co-produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who is best known for producing several Transformers movies. Given the sprawling 100-year storyline of the original comic series, fans will certainly be curious about the narrative approach for the Netflix show. Based on what has been revealed so far, Jupiter's Legacy season 1 will play out just like the graphic novel franchise.
What Is Jupiter's Legacy? Story Explained
During a recent interview (via IGN), Millar and Duhamel discussed the specifics of the Netflix adaptation. The narrative arc will follow the comics' storyline, as Sheldon Sampson tries to rebuild his life after suffering devastating losses. After experiencing visions of an island that hasn't been documented on any maps, the series protagonist eventually discovers the location, and subsequently transforms into the superhero known as "The Utopian." According to Millar, the structure of Jupiter's Legacy on Netflix is comparable to The Godfather saga, as the narrative takes place across several decades with the main protagonist coming to the realization that he may have failed. He's initially full of optimism while pursuing the American Dream, but later worries about his legacy while struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with his teenage daughter, Chloe, and son, Brandon.
Jupiter's Legacy Release Date
Jupiter's Legacy season 1 will release on May 7. Netflix released an official Jupiter's Legacy teaser clip on February 23, 2021, which includes voiceover narration from Duhamel. The 47-second video also confirms the release date for the eight-episode Jupiter's Legacy season 1.
Jupiter's Legacy Cast
Josh Duhamel as Sheldon Sampson aka The Utopian: The Union of Justice's leader who is obsessed with fixing America but struggles with his personal life. Josh Duhamel starred as Captain Lennox in the Transformers movie franchise. He's also known for starring roles in the romantic comedy When in Rome and the Nicholas Sparks adaptation Safe Haven. Duhamel also portrayed Detective Greg Kading in Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.
Leslie Bibb as Grace Sampson: Sheldon's wife, a superhero. Leslie Bibb portrayed Christine Everhart in the MCU's Iron Man movies. She recently appeared as Viv in American Housewife and Phyllis in The Babysitter: Killer Queen.
Elena Kampouris as Chloe Sampson: Sheldon and Grace's teenage daughter who struggles with a drug problem. Elena Kampouris portrayed Paris in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and Juliet Sykes in Before I Fall. She also appeared as Minnow Bly in Sacred Lies on Peacock and Boleyn Williams in Children of the Corn (2020).
Andrew Horton as Brandon Sampson: Sheldon and Grace's son who is influenced by his Uncle Walter. Andrew Horton appeared as BJ in How to Talk to Girls at Parties and Craig Guarisco in It Came from the Desert. He also portrayed Matt Cullen in one episode of Doctors season 19.
Ben Daniels as Walter Sampson: Sheldon's politically-savvy brother, an original member of the Union of Justice. Ben Daniels portrayed Adam Galloway in House of Cards and Father Marcus Keane in The Exorcist TV series. He's perhaps best known for his roles as General Merrick in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Lord Snowdon in The Crown season 3.
Tyler Mane as Blackstar: The primary villain who has anti-matter in his chest. Tyler Mane portrayed Michael Myers in Rob Zombie's Halloween movies. He also appeared as Sabretooth in X-Men and Ajax in Troy.
Jupiter's Legacy season 1 features supporting performances from Mike Wade, Mike Lanter, Tenika Davis, Anna Akana, and Chase Tang.