FX's 'Far Cry' Anthology Casts Gleeson, Leigh, and Four More Stars

Key points

• Brendan Gleeson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hamish Linklater, Sam Spruell, and Jamie Demetriou have been cast in FX's 'Far Cry'.
• The series is an adaptation of the Ubisoft video game franchise, created by Noah Hawley and Rob Mac.
• Previously announced cast members include Rob Mac, Lizzy Caplan, and Steve Buscemi.
• The show will use an anthology format, with each season featuring a new setting and cast.
• Plot details and specific character roles for the first season are currently under wraps.
• Executive producers include Noah Hawley, Rob Mac, Simon Emanuel, Emilia Serrano, Nicholas Frenkel, Monica Macer, Peter Calloway, John Campisi, Gerard Guillemot, Margaret Boykin, and Austin Dill.

Background

FX's 'Far Cry' series was first reported to be in development in November 2025. The project is an adaptation of the long-running Ubisoft video game franchise, which is known for its open-world gameplay and standalone stories set in various locations. The TV series will mirror this structure by using an anthology format, where each season will have a new setting and cast. This approach is similar to other anthology series created by Noah Hawley, such as 'Fargo' and 'Alien: Earth'. The video game franchise has released six main games and seven spinoffs since 2004, with the latest classic editions set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in Spring 2027.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources (The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, and A.V. Club) confirm the casting of Brendan Gleeson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hamish Linklater, Sam Spruell, and Jamie Demetriou for FX's 'Far Cry'. The Hollywood Reporter and Variety emphasize the actors' previous collaborations with Noah Hawley, particularly on 'Fargo' and 'Legion'. Deadline provides a concise summary of the casting and production details, while A.V. Club highlights the anthology format and the lack of specific plot details, noting the video game franchise's diverse settings. There are no significant disagreements among the outlets, but A.V. Club adds context about the video game's varied settings, including prehistoric times and the far future, which may influence the TV series' anthology structure.

Why it matters

The casting of high-profile actors like Brendan Gleeson and Jennifer Jason Leigh signals a significant investment by FX in adapting the popular 'Far Cry' video game franchise. The anthology format, similar to 'Fargo' and 'Alien: Earth', suggests a focus on diverse, standalone stories, which could attract a broad audience. The involvement of Noah Hawley and Rob Mac, both known for successful anthology series, adds credibility and anticipation for the project. The series' international streaming availability on FX, Hulu, and Disney+ indicates a global strategy, potentially expanding the reach of the 'Far Cry' brand beyond the gaming community.

What to watch

The next steps for FX's 'Far Cry' include the announcement of specific roles and plot details for the first season, which are currently under wraps. The series is expected to begin production, with the anthology format allowing for new settings and casts in subsequent seasons. The involvement of Ubisoft Film & Television and the international streaming strategy suggest a coordinated effort to leverage the video game franchise's global popularity. Future announcements may include the release date, additional cast members, and more details about the first season's setting and storyline.