The Spartans Gear Up for More Action
The countdown is on for the return of Pablo Schreiber’s Master Chief John-117 in the second season of ‘Halo.’ This highly anticipated installment promises an all-out war as the Spartans continue their fierce battle against the Covenant. Fans can look forward to seeing many of their favorite characters back in action, with a host of actors reprising their roles, alongside some fresh faces joining the fray.
Stellar Cast Lineup: Who’s Who in Season 2
‘Halo season 2′ boasts an impressive cast, with Pablo Schreiber leading as Master Chief, Spartan John-117. Joining him are:
- Natascha McElhone as Dr. Halsey
- Jen Taylor as Cortana
- Charlie Murphy as Makee
- Danny Sapani as Captain Jacob Keyes
- Olive Gray as Dr. Miranda Keyes
- Bokeem Woodbine as Soren-066
- Shabana Azmi as Admiral Margaret Parangosky
- Natasha Culzac as Riz-028
- Yerin Ha as Kwan Ha
- Bentley Kalu as Vannak-134
- Kate Kennedy as Kai-125
- Fiona O’Shaughnessy as Laera
- Tylan Bailey as Kessler
Newcomers to the series include Joseph Morgan, Cristina Rodlo, and Christina Bennington. However, one notable absence is Burn Gorman, who played Vinsher Grath in the first season.
Spotlight on Master Chief: Pablo Schreiber’s Journey
Pablo Schreiber’s portrayal of Master Chief, Spartan John-117, is central to the series. “John is a Spartan, one of Dr. Halsey’s creations. In season 1, we discover he was kidnapped as a child by Halsey and turned into an emotionless killing machine,” Schreiber told Collider. This season, we might meet a very different Master Chief, as he grapples with his newfound emotions and memories.
Schreiber, known for roles in ‘Orange is the New Black,’ ‘The Wire,’ ‘American Gods,’ and ‘Candy,’ brings depth to this iconic character.
Dr. Halsey: The Villainous Genius
Natascha McElhone’s Dr. Catherine Halsey emerges as a more villainous figure as the series progresses. “She kidnapped John and the Spartans as children, replacing them with flash clones who became ill,” explains the character’s backstory. McElhone, with a varied career in both film and TV, including ‘The Truman Show,’ ‘Designated Survivor,’ and ‘The Crown,’ embodies the complex character of Halsey flawlessly.
Kwan Ha’s Tale: Yerin Ha’s Breakout Role
Yerin Ha’s portrayal of Kwan Ha, a resident of the planet Madrigal and the daughter of Insurrectionists, is central to the story. Ha, who has previously appeared in ‘Bad Behaviour’ and ‘Reef Break,’ brings a dynamic performance to her character’s quest for justice and survival.
The Return of Cortana: Jen Taylor’s Iconic Voice
Jen Taylor, the voice behind Cortana in both the ‘Halo’ games and the series, continues her role as the AI intelligence advisor to Master Chief John. “Cortana turning against Halsey in favour of helping John” marks a significant development in her character arc.
Charlie Murphy as Makee
Who is Makee? Makee was raised by the Covenant and shared their contempt for humanity. During season 1, she’s taken prisoner by the humans but forms an emotional and romantic connection with John. Paramount has confirmed that Murphy is set to return in season 2 – a tidbit that’s slightly confused fans considering Makee was killed off in the season 1 finale. Could she be resurrected? Only time will tell.
Where have I seen Charlie Murphy before? Irish actress Murphy will be very recognisable to fans for various high profile TV roles. In Peaky Blinders, she played Jessie Eden, and in Happy Valley, she starred as Ann Gallagher. She also played Anna Barton in Obsession. Elsewhere, Murphy played Siobhan in the 2015 series Love/Hate, as well as Simone Turner in The Capture.
Danny Sapani as Captain Jacob Keyes
Who is Captain Jacob Keyes? Keyes is the captain who commands the Spartan army. He and Dr Halsey were once together and had their daughter Miranda together, but by the beginning of season 1, they’re long separated. In season 1, Keyes makes reference to Halsey’s work being the reason for this. Keyes is also complicit in the Spartan operation but during season 1 starts to have doubts.
Where have I seen Danny Sapani before? Sapani has also had various roles across British TV, from Little Britain to Holby City, The Bill, and Casualty. In 2011, he appeared in the Doctor Who episode A Good Man Goes To War. From 2009 to 2011, Sapani appeared in Misfits as Tony Morecambe, and he later starred as Sembene in Penny Dreadful. He also played Jamie in season 3 of Killing Eve, and starred as Colin Sutherland in The Diplomat.
Olive Gray as Dr. Miranda Keyes
Who is Dr. Miranda Keyes? The daughter of Dr Halsey and Captain Keyes, Miranda is a doctor in her own right with particular skills in linguistics. She proves key to finding out who Makee is in season 1.
Where have I seen Olive Gray before? Gray started her career as Alice in The Story of Tracy Beaker, before starring in Half-Moon Investigations and appearing in Fleabag and Sex Education. In 2019, she played Jess Mensah in Dark Money, and the actress also played Grace in the series Save Me.
Shabana Azmi as Admiral Margaret Parangosky
Who is Admiral Margaret Parangosky? Admiral Parangosky is the Commander-in-Chief of the Office of Naval Intelligence. During season 1, it becomes clear that she’s complicit in the Spartan project, although she clearly disapproves of Halsey’s methods. By the end of season 1, she’s turned against her.
Where have I seen Shabana Azmi before? Azmi has had an illustrious career in the Hindi film industry, starring in more than 160 films, making her one of India’s most acclaimed actresses. Some of her recent releases include Ghoomer, What’s Love Got To Do With It? and Kaali Khuhi.
Bokeem Woodbine as Soren-066
Who is Soren-066? Soren was a candidate in the Spartan programme – but it’s made clear in season 1 that he never made the cut. Nevertheless, he and John formed a friendship, with Master Chief entrusting Kwan-Ha’s protection to him. He eventually helps her to defeat Vinsher and his army.
Where have I seen Bokeem Woodbine before? Woodbine has had varied roles across film and TV, including playing Leon Cooley in the drama series Saving Grace, as well as appearing in the 2017 series Underground, and the 2018 series Unsolved. From 2015 to 2020, Woodbine also played Mike Milligan in Fargo.
Kate Kennedy as Kai-125
Who is Kai-125? Kai is one of the Spartans, who followed John’s lead in regaining her emotions. In the final episodes of season 1, she helps John and confronts Halsey after discovering the truth about where she came from.
Where have I seen Kate Kennedy before? Kennedy has been a voice actor on video games like World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth and Battlefield V, and on screen, she appeared in the 2023 film Haar.
Anticipating the Drama of ‘Halo’ Season 2
With its mix of returning characters and new additions, ‘Halo’ season 2 is poised to deliver an enthralling continuation of the Spartans‘ saga. The anticipation is high for this video game adaptation, as fans eagerly await to see how the intricate web of relationships and conflicts evolves in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the world of ‘Halo.’
