Great Expectations

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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.

Miss Havisham, portrayed by Olivia Colman, is a wealthy, eccentric, manic woman bent on revenge. Her family fortune was made in the opium trade, and after being brutally jilted at the altar, she adopted young Estella and raised her as a tool to inflict pain on the opposite sex. The newest pawn in her game of manipulation arrives in the form of an eager orphan named Pip.

Estella, portrayed by Shalom Brune-Franklin, is the beautiful, cold and often cruel, adopted daughter of Miss Havisham. Taught that emotion makes you vulnerable, trained to inflict retribution on the opposite gender for the torment inflicted upon her guardian, Estella believes love is an impossible future. She is resigned to the fact that happiness belongs only to others.

Jaggers, portrayed by Ashley Thomas, is a powerful lawyer and shrewd businessman who guides Pip through the twisted upper-class world of London society. A corrupt enforcer of the law, he consorts with criminals while despising them and controls his image as tightly as he controls every room he enters.

Magwitch, portrayed by Johnny Harris, is an escaped convict who Pip first encounters in the cemetery where his family are buried. A rough, dangerous, brute of a man with a deep vendetta against Compeyson, his mortal enemy, Magwitch carries the burden of a social injustice that can never be undone. When Pip shows him compassion, the simple act lights a spark that will change both of their futures forever.&nbsp;

Sara Gargery, portrayed by Hayley Squires, is Pip’s stern and overbearing elder sister, well known for bringing up her younger brother by hand. Forced to raise Pip and to marry a ‘lowly blacksmith’ following the untimely death of her parents, Sara’s short temper stems from an obvious distain for her own lot in life. Unable to change her fortune, Sara seeks out other means of making herself feel powerful and in control.

Owen McDonnell portrays Joe Gargery, the village blacksmith, is Pip’s sweet-tempered brother-in-law and the most constant and loving presence in Pip’s life. Although Joe is often looked down upon as an ignorant and common man, including by Pip, he is content with his lot in life and has a capacity for compassion and forgiveness that far outshines any gentleman in high society.

Biddy, portrayed by Laurie Ogden, is a kind, wise, intelligent and caring young woman who Pip turns to in his first attempts to educate and improve himself. Of similar age and background to Pip, Biddy comes from humble beginnings; but unlike Pip, she is content with her born station in life, and disapproves as Pip allows his association with Miss Havisham and his great expectations to change him.

Matt Berry portrays Mr. Pumblechook, Joe’s arrogant uncle, is a merchant obsessed with money and class, and who loves nothing more than the sound of his own voice. A man so desperate to be important that he embellishes or completely fabricates connections with the upper class, Mr. Pumblechook tells any acquaintance who will listen that he is a man of high standing.

Compeyson, portrayed by Trystan Gravelle, is a clever, conniving swindler and former partner of Magwitch.

Wemmick, portrayed by Rudi Dharmalingam, is Jaggers’ assistant and an unexpected companion of Pip’s upon his move to London. A no nonsense man who has learned what it takes to survive in this cruel world, Wemmick takes Pip under his wing, and shows him kindness and guidance, but only when no one is looking.

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Production credits for executive producers of Great Expectations

Olivia Colman with big hair holding a key while a man and woman hold hands in the background

Meet the Crew from Great Expectations | FX

Steven Knight

Tom Hardy

Ridley Scott

Dean Baker

David W. Zucker

Kate Crowe