The Copenhagen Test, Peacock’s upcoming sci-fi spy thriller, assembles a dynamic cast led by Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera. The series, which premieres with all eight episodes on December 27, 2025, revolves around an intelligence analyst whose life is upended when his brain is hacked. Below is a complete guide to the characters and the actors bringing them to life.
The Core Cast: Agents and Analysts in a Web of Deceit
The main ensemble portrays the operatives and officials of a shadowy intelligence agency called The Orphanage, all of whom are drawn into a high-stakes technological conspiracy.
Simu Liu as Alexander Hale: Liu stars as Alexander Hale, a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst working for The Orphanage. His successful career shatters when he discovers a hacker has accessed his brain, compromising everything he sees and hears. Forced to perform normally to mislead the hacker, he must navigate suspicion from his own agency while trying to unmask the perpetrator. Liu, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, also serves as an executive producer on the series.
Melissa Barrera as Michelle: Barrera plays Michelle, a mysterious operative connected to the espionage world surrounding Alexander. The character’s true allegiances are unclear; she is seen both flirting with Alexander and engaging in intense physical confrontations. Her role is pivotal to the unfolding mystery.
Brian d’Arcy James as John Moira: James portrays John Moira, a senior intelligence director. Upon learning of the breach, he confronts Alexander with a stark choice and a mission. In the series trailer, his character states: “From this moment forward, your life is mine. We need whoever is watching to think that you are in the clear now. Then we use you to find them or destroy them.”
Sinclair Daniel as Parker: Daniel plays Parker, a junior analyst within the organization tasked with monitoring Alexander’s situation. Described as intelligent, she observes the complex dynamics around her, offering a comment on Alexander and Michelle’s relationship in the trailer.
Mark O’Brien as Cobb: O’Brien appears as Cobb, an operative with a key role in the series’ unfolding events.
Kathleen Chalfant as St. George: Chalfant plays St. George, an enigmatic and influential figure within the spy agency.
Recurring and Supporting Cast
A strong roster of recurring actors adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, playing allies, handlers, and other figures within Alexander Hale’s fractured world.
Sara Amini as Ellie: Amini plays Ellie, appearing in a recurring capacity throughout the season.
Saul Rubinek as Victor Simonek: Rubinek features in a recurring role as Victor Simonek.
Hannah Cruz as Rachel Kasperian: Cruz appears as Rachel Kasperian, another recurring character.
Other confirmed supporting cast members include Adina Porter as Marlowe, Christine Noble as a Signals Tech, Marnie McPhail as Frances, and Adam Godley as Schiff.
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Creative Team Behind the Series
The Copenhagen Test was created by Thomas Brandon, who also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Jennifer Yale. The series is executive produced by horror maestro James Wan through his Atomic Monster banner, with Michael Clear and Rob Hackett also executive producing. The directing team for the first season includes Jet Wilkinson, who helmed the first two episodes, as well as Nima Nourizadeh and Kevin Tancharoen. The score is composed by Nathan Micay.
Principal photography for the series took place in Toronto, starting in October 2024 and wrapping in March 2025.
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