Fionn Whitehead as Pip in Great Expectations | FX

Fionn Whitehead

Pip

"Pip," portrayed by Fionn Whitehead, is an orphan raised by his brutal, cold sister. Smart, innocent and impressionable, he is destined to take over the family blacksmith business until fate delivers him an opportunity to become a gentleman under the tutelage of the wealthy, enigmatic Miss Havisham. A passionate romantic, easily seduced by the beauty of the upper class, as his fortunes change, Pip struggles to fit into his new world or remember the world he came from.

Career Highlights

Fionn Whitehead can be seen in Frances O’Connor's independent film Emily, for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Performance and Best Ensemble Performance at the 2022 BIFAs, and in Roger Michell’s The Duke opposite Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren.

Whitehead played the lead in Netflix’s first interactive Emmy®-winning film Bandersnatch and the feature Port Authority from producers Martin Scorsese and Rodrigo Teixeira, which had its premiere at Cannes. He also played the lead in Alex McAulay’s directorial debut Don’t Tell a Soul opposite Rainn Wilson, as well as Sebastian Schipper’s Roads, which premiered at Tribeca with rave reviews for his performance. ScreenDaily said, “The talented Whitehead is fast becoming a compelling dramatic force.”

Previously, Whitehead starred in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and Richard Eyre’s The Children Act opposite Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci.

Whitehead has twice been nominated for the prestigious London Critics' Circle Award for Young British/Irish Performer of the Year and The Empire Award for Best Male Newcomer. He was named as a Screen International Star of Tomorrow and one of Variety’s 10 Brits to Watch.

Olivia Colman headshot with string of small pearl necklaces connected by diamond pendant, with hair messily up in bun

Olivia Colman

as Miss Havisham

Miss Havisham is a wealthy, eccentric, manic woman bent on revenge. The newest pawn in her game of manipulation arrives in the form of an eager orphan named Pip.

Shalom Brune Franklin headshot in embroidered black dress with black satin neck tie and black top hat with dark flowers

Shalom Brune-Franklin

as Estella

Estella is the beautiful, cold and often cruel, adopted daughter of Miss Havisham. Taught that emotion makes you vulnerable, Estella believes love is an impossible future.

Ashley Thomas headshot in black coat with white silk neck tie scarf with black top hat, looking up toward warm light

Ashley Thomas

as Jaggers

Jaggers is a powerful lawyer and shrewd businessman who guides Pip through the twisted upper-class world of London society.