Jeff Golblum reflects on bringing Greek myths to a new audience with ‘Kaos’
On August 29th, Kaos will arrive on Netflix. The mythological dark-comedy is helmed by Charlie Covell and revolves around three people who navigate interpersonal connections and stressors while coping with the forces of corrupt and arrogant gods from classical mythology.
While the captivating narratives incite laughter and entertainment, it is also didactic, teaching us the traits of ancient gods from a modern perspective. The official synopsis describes the show as “a darkly comedic and contemporary reimagining of Greek mythology, exploring themes of gender politics, power, and life in the underworld.” It adds, “Six humans learn that they are component parts of an ancient prophecy.”
Jurassic Park star Jeff Goldblum plays Zeus, the King of the Gods, in the show alongside a solid cast, including Janet McTeer as Hera, Cliff Curtis as Poseidon, David Thewlis as Hades, Killian Scott as Orpheus, Debi Mazar as Medusa, Aurora Perrineau as Riddy, Misia Butler as Caneus, Leila Farzad as Ari, and Nabhaan Rizwan as Dionysus.
The star-studded cast also includes Rakie Ayola, Stanley Townsend, Billie Piper, Eddie Izzard and Fady Elsayed. As we approach the debut date at the end of the month, anticipation rides high. Covell and Goldblum have joined Variety to discuss their work on the promising title.
“Why do we come back to myths?” Covell asks himself in the recent interview. “They’re timeless; the issues are eternal.” Although the ancient belief systems have very few adherents in the modern day, like many stories in the Bible, they retain important didactic and philosophical aspects.
When Kaos was first announced, Hugh Grant was cast in the central role of Zeus. However, the British actor dropped out in 2022 due to scheduling clashes, leaving the door open to Goldblum. “Greek myths have always addressed the entire scope of human experience and the continuum from start till now,” he said. Continuing, he commended Covell, who “built a world that was amazing and fascinating — and very moving, and hilarious. It struck me right in my stomach.”
When asked how he got into character to portray a modern-day Zeus, he explained that all his inspiration came from within. “I used my imagination mostly — and then looked into my own heart and soul,” he said.
Elsewhere in the interview, Covell conceded that reproductions of classic mythological stories and ideas can “feel a bit elitist”. However, understanding this, he ensured that one wouldn’t need to have much prior understanding to access Kaos. “People love to drop a classical reference to make people feel stupid, and I never wanted the show to be that,” he added.