‘Penny Dreadful’: Meet The Characters

Scoot over “American Horror Story” and “The Walking Dead,” here comes “Penny Dreadful” — TV’s newest addition to the growing horror genre.

From the mind of John Logan (“Skyfall,” “Gladiator”), “Penny Dreadful” interweaves new takes on characters from classic novels such as “Frankenstein,” “Dracula” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” with its own original figures. The series will look to thrust not only its characters, but the audience as well, into a very visceral Victorian London — a world full of mystery, sex and evil.

Meet The Characters

Sir Malcolm, played by Timothy Dalton (“James Bond”), begins the series as a man on the hunt to find his daughter who was mysteriously taken. Stopping at nothing to find her, Sir Malcolm will rely on the help of a woman with supernatural gifts, Vanessa Ives, a soft, but intense man named Dr. Victor Frankenstein, and anyone else he can recruit for his cause.

American Ethan Chandler, played by Josh Hartnett (“Pearl Harbor”), appears to be a traveling sharpshooter and performer, who seems to like nothing more than the company of a woman and a bottle of whiskey. But, behind that charming smile of his lies an unhappy, unfulfilled man concealing a troubled past. His world is destined to be turned upside-down, though, after an intriguing conversation with Vanessa (Eva Green).

The eerie, yet veritably alluring Vanessa Ives, played by Eva Green (“Casino Royale”), is an expert medium, with a deep connection to the supernatural. Sir Malcolm needs her for his own personal interests, but her goals – at first – remain one of the show’s mysteries.

WATCH: ‘Penny Dreadful’ Promo: Eva Green As Vanessa

Then, there’s none other than the man himself, right out of the book, or picture — Dorian Gray, portrayed by Reeve Carney (“The Tempest”). This iconic, wealthy young gentleman is the epitome of sex — shamelessly seducing any woman that catches his eye.

And no horror character collective would be complete without the one and only Dr. Victor Frankenstein, brought to life by Harry Treadaway (“The Lone Ranger”). This poetic, but twisted, scientist has vowed to make his mark in this world by dedicating his life to discovering what makes something live.

READ: Harry Treadaway Talks Taking On Dr. Frankenstein For ‘Penny Dreadful’

“Penny Dreadful” premieres Sunday, May 11 at 10PM ET/PT on Showtime.

— Keenan Duke