Here's what the cast of 'The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance' looks like in real life

Publish date: 2024-07-31
2019-09-03T22:13:00Z

Netflix's new fantasy series "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" is a prequel to the original 1982 movie created by Jim Henson. Though some of the characters are the same, a new set of actors were brought in to lend their voices to the Gelflings, Skeksis, Podlings, and more.

Puppeteers working on the set of "Age of Resistance" performed all of the dialogue, and then the voice cast had to match their recorded lines to the movements and moods already filmed. 

Keep reading to see the main voice cast of "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance."

Sigourney Weaver opens the series as the Myth-Speaker.

The opening of "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" is narrated by Weaver. Netflix/Kevin Baker and AP

Just as the original movie featured an omniscient narrator setting up the story in its opening minutes, "Age of Resistance" begins with Sigourney Weaver telling the audience about the planet of Thra and its magical crystal.

The Emperor of the Skeksis is voiced by Jason Isaacs.

The Emperor on Netflix's "Age of Resistance" and Jason Isaacs at the premiere event in New York City. Kevin Baker/Netflix and Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Thra is ruled by the Skeksis, bird-like creatures from another planet who came to Thra a thousand trine (years) before the events of "Age of Resistance."

The Chamberlain is voiced by Simon Pegg.

The Chamberlain is distinguished from other Skeksis by his red robes and high-pitched voice. Kevin Baker/Netflix and Karwai Tang/Getty Images

The Skeksis each have titles they're known by, like Chamberlain and Emperor. Pegg plays the Chamberlain, who was the main antagonist in the original 1982 movie. 

The Collector is voiced by Awkwafina.

The Collector is also called by the name "skekLach" sometimes. Netflix and Paras Griffin/Getty Images

The Collector's unique feature is the cluster of pustules on her nose, which are prone to disgustingly oozing puss.

The Scroll-Keeper is voiced (and manipulated) by Neil Sterenberg.

Sterenberg is one of the few people who does both the vocal and puppetry performances. Netflix

Sterenberg also does the puppetry for Rian (as seen above in a behind-the-scenes video from Netflix).

The Scrollkeeper Skeksis is differentiated by his triple-stacked glasses perched on his beak.

The Ritual Master is voiced by Keegan-Michael Key.

Key is best known for his comedy series "Key and Peele." Netflix and Getty Images

The Ritual Master wears rich gold robes and has a long curved ornamental headpiece.

The General is voiced by Benedict Wong.

The General is the Chamberlain's nemesis on "Age of Resistance." Netflix and Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Wong, who recently appeared in "Avenger: Endgame" as the character simply named Wong, brings the formidable General to life on "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance."

The Scientist is voiced by Mark Hamill.

Mark Hamill famously voiced the Joker for DC's animated "Batman" series. Kevin Baker/Netflix and Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

The Scientist is the Skeksis who creates the machine that drains creatures of their "essence" so that the Skeksis can drink it and revitalize their own bodies. 

The Gourmand is voiced by Harvey Fierstein.

The Gourmand has an iridescent ruff around his neck. Netflix and Jemal Countess/Getty Images

The Gourmand is yet another Skeksis. He's got a more rounded face and beak, and love to indulge.

The Hunter is voiced by Ralph Ineson.

You might recognize Ralph Ineson from his role as an Ironborn man named Dagmer Cleftjaw on "Game of Thrones." Netflix and Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images

This speedy and terrifying Skeksis is the one who hunts down the heroic Gelflings. The Hunter's Mystic counterpart, the Archer, is voiced by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Mother Aughra is voiced by Donna Kimball.

Mother Aughra is an embodiment of Thra itself. Netflix and Efren Landaos/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Aughra was the first protector of the Crystal, but she turned it over to the Skeksis to guard when they arrived to Thra. Now she is helping the Gelflings fight for the survival of their species and the planet itself.

Rian is voiced by Taron Egerton.

Rian is brought to life with the help of Taron Egerton ("The Kingsman," "Rocketman"). Kevin Baker/Netflix and Ken Ishii/Stringer/Getty Images

Rian is the first Gelfling viewers meet on "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance." He's one of the guards at the Skeksis castle, and his father is the general of the Gelfling soldiers.

Mira is voiced by Alicia Vikander.

Mira is only on the first episode of "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance." Netflix and AP Images

Mira is also a guard at the Castle of the Crystal, where the Skeksis live. She and Rian are in a romantic relationship.

Gurgin is voiced by Harris Dickinson.

Harris Dickinson plays Prince Phillip in the coming "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" movie. Netflix and David M. Benett/Getty Images

Gurgin is the other castle guard who is friends with Rian and Mira. He eventually becomes a key part of the Gelfling resistance.

Captain Ordon is voiced by Mark Strong.

Mark Strong recently starred in "Shazam!" and "The Kingsman" series. Netflix and Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Ordon, Rian's father, is the general who oversees the protection of the Skeksis and accompanies them on trips to the other Gelfling clans.

Deet is voiced by Nathalie Emmanuel.

Deet is a Grottan, one of the Gelfling clans which resides in a set of underground caves and passageways. She is guided out into the rest of Thra by the Sanctuary Tree and told she must fight the coming "darkening."

Read more: What 41 actors who were killed on 'Game of Thrones' are doing now

Hup is voiced (and manipulated) by Victor Yerrid.

Hup helps Deet make her way around Thra and they become friends. Netflix and Dale Berman/Syfy/NBCU/Getty Images

Yerrid, like Neil Sterenberg, is one of the rare performers on "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" who does both the voice and physical acting for his character.

Princess Brea is voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy.

You might know Anya Taylor-Joy from the movies "Split" and "Glass." Kevin Baker/Netflix and Ian West/PA/Getty Images

Brea is the youngest daughter of the All-Maudra, leader of both the Vapra clan and all seven Gelfling tribes. She's curious and clever, and helps uncover the secrets of Thra and the Skeksis.

Tavra is voiced by Caitriona Balfe.

"Outlander" actress Caitriona Balfe plays Tavra. Netflix and Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Tavra is the middle daughter of the All-Maudra, and a celebrated soldier and fighter for the Vapra clan.

Seladon is voiced by Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

You can tell Seladon apart by her metal headpiece resting over her bangs. Netflix and Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Seladon is the eldest daughter of the All-Maudra, and loses her patience with the way Brea is treated compared to herself. Seladon is next in line to become All-Maudra after her mother's death.

The All-Maudra is voiced by Helena Bonham Carter.

The All-Maudra rules over all the Gelfling clans. Netflix and Joel C. Ryan/Invision/AP

The Gelflings are a matriarchal society, which means each clan has a Maudra (or queen). The All-Maudra oversees every Gelfling in Thra, and works closely with their Skeksis lords to maintain peace.

Maudra Fara is voiced by Lena Headey.

Headey is best known for playing Cersei Lannister on "Game of Thrones." Netflix and Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP

Maudra Fara is the leader of the Stonewood clan of Gelflings, which is where Rian was born. 

Onica is voiced by Natalie Dormer.

Dormer famously played Margaery Tyrell on "Game of Thrones." Netflix and David M. Benett/Getty Images

Onica is from the Sifa clan of Gelflings, on the coast near Ha'rar. She helps Brea when the young princess comes to their tent.

Cadia is voiced by Eddie Izzard.

Comic and actor Eddie Izzard is known for his surreal humor. Netflix and Noam Galai/Getty Images

Cadia is the Sifan Elder who presides over Onica, and takes the meeting with Brea on the shores of Thra.

Rek'yr is voiced by Theo James.

Theo James starred in the "Divergent" movie series. Netflix/ and Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images

Rek'yr is a leader of the Dousan clan of Gelflings who helps the resistance fighters with their quest.

Naia is voiced by Hannah John-Kamen.

Hannah John-Kamen most recently starred in "Ant-Man and the Wasp" as Ava. Netflix and Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Naia is Gurgin's sister, and one of the Drenchen Gelflings who tracks down Rian on the early half of the first season.

Kylan is voiced by Shazad Latif.

Shazad Latif also stars on CBS's "Star Trek: Discovery" series. Netflix and Dave Benett/WireImage/Getty Images

Kylan is the Gelfling who travels at Naia's side, and is a loyal resistance fighter. 

The Heretic is voiced by Andy Samberg,

Former "SNL" star and Lonely Island member Andy Samberg plays a Skeksis. Netflix and Jon Kopaloff/WireImage/Getty Images

The Heretic is introduced later on the season, and is a different kind of Skeksis who plays an important role.

The Wanderer is voiced by Bill Hader.

Hader stars on HBO's "Barry" and in the coming "IT" sequel. Netflix and Getty Images

The Wanderer is a Mystic, another magical being who is not from Thra.

A group of puppeteers worked on set to bring the physical performances of all the characters to life.

Beccy Henderson with the Deet puppet on the set of "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance." Netflix

The team of puppeteers includes:

Plus a team of "core puppeteers" — Louise Gold, Helena Smee, and Kat Smee.

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

Read the original article on INSIDER. Copyright 2019.

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