Sean Penn has made very limited television appearances during his career.
He began his career on Little House on the Prairie and later appeared on Friends and Two and a Half Men, but he’s never had a starring role on a television series. That’s about to change.
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Penn is starring with Natascha McElhone on the upcoming Beau Willimon (House of Cards) drama about the colonization of Mars. We know there is water there and bacterial presence, so why not accept it can support other life — like ours?
If it’s on Hulu and with this cast and creator, we’re counting on something spectacular. Everything we know about The First (which is very little) can be found below.
Does it look like something that might interest you?
Sean Penn and Natascha McElhone – The First
Sean Penn and Natascha McElhone star in the upcoming Hulu series, The First, about the first manned mission to Mars.
Natascha McElhone as Laz Ingram – The First
Natascha McElhone left Designated Survivor for this role on The First, from House of Cards creator, Beau Willimon. Considering what happened to Designated Survivor, it was a very good move on her part!
Sean Penn as Tom Haggerty – The First
Sean Penn plays former astronaut, Tom Haggerty. “I have such deep admiration for Sean’s immense talent and extraordinary body of work,” said Willimon. “I feel very lucky to be collaborating with an artist of his caliber.”
James Ransone as Nick Fletcher – The First
James Ransone will play a character believed to be named Nick Fletcher on the upcoming drama. No other details are known about the character at this time.
LisaGay Hamilton as Kayla Price – The First
LisaGay Hamilton is suspected to be playing Kayla Price, the second in command and a woman who always puts the mission first.
Anna Jacoby-Heron as Tom’s Daughter – The First
Anna Jacoby-Heron is believed to be playing Sean Penn’s daughter, as yet unnamed. As the series will be focusing not only on the astronauts, but also on their families and loved ones, as well as the ground team on Earth, it makes sense that we get to know at least one child of the main cast regularly.
Looking Skyward – The First
Sean Penn as Tom Haggerty looks up to the stars, or Mars, as he must be contemplating the great challenge before the team. Willimon said of Penn, “I have such deep admiration for Sean’s immense talent and extraordinary body of work. I feel very lucky to be collaborating with an artist of his caliber.”
A Woman and Her Team – The First
McElhone will be playing the visionary British CEO of the company behind the mission to Mars if sources are correct. “I am so excited to work with original, maverick artists like Beau Willimon and Sean Penn — it’s a real privilege to be invited,” said McElhone. “As well as exploring Mars; I am thrilled to be accommodated by the brilliant planet Hulu and my favorite homegrown one of Channel 4.”
Father and Daughter in a Circle – The First
This looks to be some sort of counseling session with Tom Haggerty (Penn) and his daughter (Jacoby-Heron). She’s best known for her role on Finding Carter.
