Jump directly to the content
BRIGHT SPARKS

The Luminaries cast: Who are the actors in the BBC drama?

HIT BBC One drama series The Luminaries has had fans gripped with its tale of love, magic and gold rush in 19th century New Zealand.

The show is an adaption of Eleanor Catton's 2013 Man Booker Prize winning novel of the same name and features a stellar ensemble cast of high profile actors from film and TV.

BBC's The Luminaries has a star cast
8
BBC's The Luminaries has a star castCredit: BBC
NINTCHDBPICT000590933750
8
NINTCHDBPICT000590933750Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Who is in The Luminaries cast?

The Luminaries tells an epic story of love, murder and revenge, as men and women travelled across the world to make their fortunes.

It is a 19th century tale of adventure and mystery, set on the Wild West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island in the boom years of the 1860s gold rush.

The Luminaries story follows defiant young adventurer Anna Wetherell, who has sailed from Britain to New Zealand to begin a new life.

A story like this of course attracted a star cast.

Eve Hewson as Anna Wetherell

Eve Hewson plays Anna Wetherell
8
Eve Hewson plays Anna WetherellCredit: BBC

Anna is a young woman who’s travelled alone to New Zealand in search of a new life.

On the last day of the journey, she meets a young man called Emery Staines – and there is an instant connection.

Irish actress Eve is known for playing Marian in Robin Hood.

She's also the daughter of U2 star Bono.

Eva Green as Lydia Wells

Eva Green plays Lydia Wells
8
Eva Green plays Lydia WellsCredit: BBC Press Handout

Penny Dreadful star Eva has been cast as calculating brothel madam Lydia Wells.

The actress is also known for playing Bond girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale.

Eva has also starred in Tim Burton films Dark Shadows, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children and Dumbo.

Marton Csokas as Francis Carver

Marton Csokas plays Francis Carver
8
Marton Csokas plays Francis CarverCredit: BBC

Francis is cruel and has a violent temper.

Actor Marton is known for playing Quinn in Into the Badlands.

He’s also been in Rogue, Klondike, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Sons of Liberty, Xena: Warrior Princess, Noah, and The Equaliser.

Himesh Patel as Emery Staines

Himesh Patel as Emery Staines
8
Himesh Patel as Emery StainesCredit: BBC Press Handout

Himesh plays Emery Staines, a young English adventurer who Anna meets on her journey.

The actor is best known for playing Tamwar Masood in EastEnders from 2007 until 2016.

He is also well known for his role as Jack Malik in the musical comedy Yesterday.

Ewen Leslie as Crosbie Wells

Ewen Leslie takes on the role of Crosbie Wells
8
Ewen Leslie takes on the role of Crosbie Wells

Crosbie is Lydia’s husband.

At the beginning of the drama we find out he is dead, and the jailer suspects he has been murdered.

Actor Ewen is known for starring in the TV series The Cry, in which he starred opposite Jenna Coleman as her husband Alistair.

Erik Thomson as Dick Mannering

Erik Thomson plays Dick Mannering
8
Erik Thomson plays Dick ManneringCredit: BBC

Dick is a wealthy man who owns and operates the Prince of Wales Opera House in Hokitika.

Actor Erik is also known for starring in Young Hercules, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

When does The Luminaries start on BBC Two?

The Luminaries began on Saturday, June 21, on BBC One.

The six-part, suspenseful drama is based on the Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

After airing in weekly instalments, the final episode of the hit period drama is on tonight (July 19, 2020) at 9pm.

In addition to this, the full series of The Luminaries is also available on .

First look at BBC drama The Luminaries starring Eva Green
Topics