Netflix’s upcoming limited series “The Beast in Me” features an all-star lineup, including Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, David Lyons, and Brittany Snow. For creator Gabe Rotter, taking “The Beast in Me” from spec script to the small screen has been a long road. Rotter first wrote the script six to seven years prior to it getting picked up. But it wasn’t until the former “X-Files” writer swapped out the male lead for a female protagonist that he caught the eye of Conan O’Brien’s production company, Conaco, and, subsequently, Jodie Foster. While Foster was considered for the lead, she suggested Danes instead.
“The Beast in Me” is expected to hit the streamer sometime in 2025. And while it’s slated as a limited series, there’s always the potential for a miniseries to get picked up for another season. For those interested in learning more about “The Beast in Me,” including who’s involved, let this guide be your go-to resource.
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Rotter’s story follows respected author Aggie Wiggs (Danes), who’s become a recluse following the traumatic death of her young son. Aggie hides away from public life as the agony has made it impossible to write. However, she soon finds new inspiration when real-estate mogul Nile Jarvis (Rhys) moves into the house next door. Having once been a suspect in his wife’s disappearance, he brings Aggie out of her self-induced hibernation; but Nile’s troublesome past could have deadly consequences for the writer as she becomes consumed by her intrigue.
- Claire Danes as Aggie Wiggs
- Matthew Rhys as Nile Jarvis
- Brittany Snow as Nina
- Natalie Morales as Shelley
- David Lyons as Brian Abbot
- Tim Guinee as Wrecking Ball
- Deirdre O’Connell as Carol McGiddish
- Jonathan Banks as Martin Jarvis
- Hettienne Park as Erika Breton
- Aleyse Shannon as Olivia Benitez
- Will Brill as Chris Ingram
- Kate Burton as Mariah Ingram
- Bill Irwin as James Ingram
- Amir Arison as Frank Breton
- Julie Ann Emery as Lila Jarvis
Danes and Rhys came to their roles thanks to their notable résumés—but they didn’t amass all those acting credits overnight. If you, too, want to become an established actor, check out our guides on how to get your career started:
- 3 Strategies for a Successful Acting Career
- How to Become an Actor With No Experience
- What an Acting Career Really Looks Like in 3 Acts
“The Beast in Me” was created by Rotter, who serves as a co-writer and executive producer. Series showrunner Howard Gordon (“Homeland,” “24”) and Daniel Pearle (“American Crime Story”) also serve as co-writers and executive producers. Foster and O’Brien signed on as executive producers, as well, with Antonio Campos (“The Staircase”) executive producing and directing.
Production on the series has wrapped, but in October 2024, Debbie DeLisi’s casting team issued a notice on Backstage. Production was looking for male photo doubles, aged 7–8, to portray twin boys. Shooting took place in New Jersey, with roles paying up to $500.
Although “The Beast In Me” was written as a standalone limited series, there are plenty of psychological thrillers and mysteries that need your expertise. Check out these roundups for your next opportunity:
Our casting directory pages also provide access to listings as they become available:
And our deep-dives into the audition process will help you land that dream role once it comes along:
- How to Audition for Netflix
- The Audition Process: An Actor’s Guide to Everyone in the Room
- 7 Steps to Starting Your Small-Screen Journey