Netflix’s Penelope is one of The Duplass Brothers Production’s newest creations about a teenager escaping into the woods to experience the world truly. Since releasing on September 24, 2024, the coming-of-age drama has turned the heads of many with its unique storyline.
Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, showrunners Mark Duplass and Mel Elsyne claimed the fictional story is an avatar of Duplass’s feelings and experiences during the pandemic. This wholesome story dives into the ethereal and unfathomable world of nature and the joys of being one with it.
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Penelope is primarily focused on the protagonist and her journey since running away to the woods. But it also features other characters who make it memorable and meaningful. Here’s a complete guide of the cast from the show and the characters they play.
Netflix's Penelope cast & character guide
1) Megan Stott as Penelope
Megan Stott plays the 16-year-old teenage protagonist with the same name in Penelope. Stott’s character is described as curious, intellectual, and strong-willed. In the Netflix series, Penelope realizes the void within and retreats deep into the woods to find meaning and purpose in living with nature.
While basking in the afterglow of nature, she realizes there’s more to living in the woods than survival skills and cool folks.
Stott might be young, but she’s already creating waves with appearances in shows like Little Fires Everywhere, Just Beyond, and more. She also appeared alongside Jennifer Garner and Jenna Ortega in the family comedy Yes Day.
2) Austin Abrams as Sam
Budding actor Austin Abrams plays Sam in Penelope. Sam is a singer with a serenading voice. Abram’s character revealed he’d bag gigs at cafes to make a living until he felt unsure about his life's direction. While there may be moments between Sam and Penelope, their friendship is rather platonic.
After his paths cross with Penelope, the duo vibe over deep conversations. He plays a pivotal role in helping his newfound friend get into Cascade National Park, where she embarks on a remarkable journey. Abrams has starred in several noteworthy shows like Euphoria, The Walking Dead, and This is Us.
3) Rhenzy Feliz as Peter
Rhenzy Feliz plays Peter, Penelope’s romantic interest in the Netflix series, and encounters Penelope during his adventures in the woods - almost the same as her. Naturally enamored by her, Rhenzy’s character and Penelope hit it off almost instantly.
The duo often spend time by a bonfire, making the other laugh. Peter firmly believes fate and Penelope’s search for adventure in the woods brought them together.
Rhenzy is a budding actor gaining traction and adoration from fans due to his role in HBO Max’s ongoing series The Penguin. He’s also appeared in Teen Wolf and Marvel’s Runaways.
4) Krisha Fairchild as Helena
Veteran actress Krisha Fairchild plays Penelope’s moral compass of sorts in the woods, Helena. Krisha’s character enables Penelope to experience the woods more authentically and rawly. Being an environmentalist and conservationist, Helena advocates against deforestation and educates the protagonist about it.
Like Penelope, Helena lives in a tree house as an act of rebellion against officials seeking to destroy the forest by chopping down the very beating heart of the forest.
The duo have a close bond - like mother and daughter and get along well. Fairchild has appeared in movies and shows like The Killing of John Lennon, Channel Zero, Freeland, and Highway.
5) Stephen Kelsey as Eugene
Stephen Kelsey’s Eugene in Penelope isn’t a regular but was a pivotal part of the teen drama. Eugene meets Penelope shortly after she heads home from Cascade National Park. During her journey, she assists Eugene by fetching him firewood, which she cut herself as a gesture of gratitude.
Kelsey’s character gives a panic-struck Penelope a warm place to rest her head and a nourishing meal for the night. Penelope continued to remember his kind act despite being gone the next day. Like Fairchild, Kelsey is also a seasoned actor whose notable features are The Librarian and When He Comes Back.
6) Sulai Lopez as Jen
Penelope is Sulai Lopez’s first major acting gig! The actress plays social worker Jen, assigned to Penelope after she is roughed up and in a hospital. Jen is described as a warm and welcoming personality whose ethos is to help and guide. Noticing the minor’s mangled state, like Eugene, Jen also rendered her hospitality.
She ensured Penelope had a good and comforting meal, tended to her injuries throughout, and ensured she was in good health. After listening to her story, she emphatically allowed Penelope to continue her journey without drawing attention, respecting the minor’s wishes.
Supporting cast & characters of Netflix's Penelope
Here's a list of the supporting cast & characters who briefly appeared on Netflix's Penelope:
- Cynthia Geary as Penelope's Mother: Geary plays the protagonist's worried and anxious mother who dotes on her daughter. Moreover, she persistently attempts to contact Penelope despite her child being off the grid. Although Geary's character doesn't make many appearances, she does have a significant part in the plot.
- Barry O'Neil as Penelope's Father: Unlike Geary, O'Neal seldom appears in Penelope. O'Neal's prominent roles include projects like Hive and Cold Case.
- Amber Wolfe as Gale: She is the ranger from the national park. She does not allow Penelope inside the park because Penelope has neither money nor reservation.
All eight episodes of Penelope are now streaming only on Netflix for binge-watching.
For more cast & character guides, visit Soap Central!
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