The Peripheral was a delightful sci-fi surprise in 2022 and one of our favorite shows of the year. This futuristic dystopian series was created by Scott B. Smith, backed by executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy (creators of the HBO series Westworld).
Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher in the science fiction drama television series The Peripheral (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
Based on William Gibson’s novel, the Amazon Original follows Flynne Fisher (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young woman who uncovers a vast mystery when she tries on a new virtual reality headset.
The show was initially renewed for a second season but ultimately canceled due to production delays caused by the Hollywood strikes.
Promotional art for season 1 of The Peripheral featuring Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
While there won’t be a season 2, let’s see how the characters stack up to each other as we rank the cast of The Peripheral from shortest to tallest.
10. Charlotte Riley (Aelita West) – 5 ft 3.25 in (160.7 cm)
Charlotte Riley stands out as an intimidating force working under mysterious circumstances in the role of Aelita West.
Aelita West is an important character in the deep web of future London’s politics, but she remains missing in action for most of the show. In several episodes, Flynne and her cohorts attempt to locate Aelita, but she remains purposefully elusive.
Charlotte Riley stuns in a textured, bronze mini-dress with puffed sleeves and metallic heels at the BFI London Film Festival Luminous Gala in London, England, on September 29, 2022 (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
The English actress does an excellent job portraying this complex role, offering a compassionate look at a truly chaotic character.
9. Chloë Grace Moretz (Flynne Fisher) – 5 ft 4 in (162.6 cm)
In The Peripheral, Chloë Grace Moretz plays the lead character, Flynne Fisher, a young woman living in fictional Clanton County, North Carolina, in the year 2032.
Flynne is the catalyst for the show, setting the vast mystery into motion. Due to her talents as a skilled gamer, Flynne unknowingly enters an alternate reality in London circa 2099 while trying on a prototype VR headset.
Chloë Grace Moretz in a custom Louis Vuitton cropped top, adorned with embellishments, and a black skirt with metallic heels at the premiere of The Peripheral held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, California on October 11, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Endearing, intelligent, and prepared to throw down when necessary, Chloë Grace Moretz plays Flynne Fisher with style and confidence.
8. Katie Leung (Ash) – 5 ft 4 in (162.6 cm)
Katie Leung fills out the supporting cast as Ash, a “technician” who works for the wealthy character Lev Zubov.
With a shadowy past and mysterious motivations, Ash operates in a morally gray area, always keeping her true intentions as hidden as possible. Outfitted with futuristic tattoos that move on her body, Ash is easily one of the coolest characters in the show.
Katie Leung attends the 2018 Into Film Awards in a sleek black top paired with green trousers and polished black shoes at the BFI Southbank in London, England, on March 13, 2018 (Credit: Isabel Infantes / PA Images / INSTAR)
This is another significant role for the Scottish actress, who breaks out of her self-described shyness and offers a fierce performance. Many fondly recall her role as Harry Potter’s first love interest, Cho Chang, in the film series.
7. T’Nia Miller (Cherise Nuland) – 5 ft 6.75 in (168.5 cm)
The futuristic London in The Peripheral hosts many different factions vying for influence, but there are few as powerful as the Research Institute.
Played by British actress T’Nia Miller, Cherise Nuland leads the Research Institute, processing advanced technology in every profitable sector. Cold and calculated, Cherise will do anything to achieve her desired endgame, even if it means unimaginable violence.
T’Nia Miller bringing a colorful splash at the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
In The Peripheral, very few characters are as fashionable and intelligent as Cherise Nuland, making the role a perfect fit for T’Nia Miller.
6. Adelind Horan (Billy Ann Baker) – 5 ft 7 in (170.2 cm)
Standing proud as the tallest adult female member of the cast, Adelind Horan plays the humble Billy Ann Baker.
Living in North Carolina, Billy Ann is Flynne’s best friend, and the two keep nothing from each other. This is a bit of a problem due to Billy Ann’s tendency for gossip, but she’s still endlessly loyal, especially when things start to get serious for Flynne.
Adelind Horan making a case for lavender at the Los Angeles premiere of The Peripheral (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Over the past few years, Adelind Horan has really started to shine, and we can’t wait to see what crazy antics Billy Ann gets up to in the second season of The Peripheral.
5. Louis Herthum (Corbell Pickett) – 5 ft 10 in (177.8 cm)
In Clanton County, where Flynne Fisher resides, one man supersedes the law: Corbell Pickett. Played by American actor Louis Herthum, Corbell Pickett is a car salesman turned drug kingpin who has managed to buy off the police across Clanton.
Using his wealth, Corbell employs the majority of the city, making him a necessary evil. As Flynne digs deeper into the mystery of future London, her actions cause her to cross paths with Corbell, resulting in some heated scenes.
Louis Herthum looks sharp in a classic gray suit paired with a lavender shirt at The Peripheral premiere (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
After the end of season 1, Corbell and his crew will undoubtedly be on the warpath, so you can expect more from him as the story continues.
4. Jack Reynor (Burton Fisher) – 5 ft 11 in (180.3 cm)
The studly Jack Reynor plays Burton Fisher as Flynne’s brother and protector throughout the show. Together with Flynne, Burton takes care of their sick mother, Ella, but he, too, suffers.
Due to his technologically advanced military implants, Burton can link up with his ex-squad mates, but at the cost of terribly painful tremors.
Jack Reynor stands out in a bold mauve corduroy suit paired with deep red boots at The Peripheral premiere (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
As Flynne dives deeper into the world of the headset, Burton is always standing by, ready to guard Flynne against those who would do her harm.
3. Gary Carr (Wilf Netherton) – 5 ft 11 in (180.3 cm)
In London, Flynne finds both companionship and guidance in the form of Wilf Netherton.
Played by English actor Gary Carr, Wilf is an associate of Lev Zubov and eases Flynne into the London experience. With deep ties to Aelita West, Wilf is hellbent on finding the missing woman and sees Flynne as a vital tool in her discovery.
Gary Carr exudes sophistication in a black suit with artistic embroidery detailing at The Peripheral premiere (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Out of all the characters in the show, Wilf is one of the purest and kindhearted, a rare trait among vengeful, power-hungry peers. When discussing his portrayal of Wilf, Gary Carr praised the process and found the character to be one of the most nuanced of his career.
2. JJ Feild (Lev Zubov) – 6 ft (182.9 cm)
A man of immense mystique and mystery but endlessly posh and flippant, Lev Zubov manipulates many aspects of The Peripheral. As one of the wealthiest men in London and part of a powerful oligarchy called the Klept, Lev wrestles for power against the Research Institute with Wilf Netherton at his side.
At first, Flynne sees Lev simply as an interesting employer, but over time, she realizes that he may have darker motivations.
JJ Feild keeps it casual yet polished in a beige suit paired with crisp white sneakers at The Peripheral premiere (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Lev is played brilliantly by British-American actor JJ Feild, who keeps the audience guessing with each passing episode.
1. Eli Goree (Conner Penske) – 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Conner Penske is a character that starts off small but sees fantastic development, ultimately becoming one of the show’s most important characters.
Portrayed by Eli Goree, the tallest main cast member in The Peripheral, Conner is a triple-amputee who operated in Burton’s military squad before a fateful accident.
Eli Goree looks sleek in an all-black suit and tie at the My Friend’s Place 30th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, California on April 7, 2018 (Credit: Tony DiMaio / Startraksphoto)
Despite his cynical and often existential look at life, Conner also provides some levity to the show with wisecracks and dark humor. Along with Burton, Conner becomes a pillar of support for Flynne, especially in the first season finale.
Gary Carr as Wilf Netherton and Chloë Grace Moretz as Flynne Fisher in the science fiction drama television series The Peripheral (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)