MGM+’s ‘The Magnificent Seven’ Expands Cast with Four New Series Regulars
The highly anticipated series ‘The Magnificent Seven’ is set to add four new faces to its cast, bringing the total number of series regulars to seven. This expansion comes as the production team continues to build an impressive ensemble cast for the show, which is set in the tumultuous 1880s American frontier. The new additions are Joshua Close, Ken Yamamura, Michael Rubenfeld, and Joel Nankervis, each bringing their unique talents and characters to the table.
Close will portray Skelton, a complex and intriguing character with a cold, calculating demeanor. Skelton lives by a brutal code, always three steps ahead, and believes that morality is a concept created by those who lose. His past as a Confederate raider and corrupt lawman makes him a formidable antagonist, and his hiring by Clemons adds an element of unpredictability to the story. Close’s portrayal of Skelton promises to bring a layer of depth and intrigue to the series.
Ken Yamamura takes on the role of Kenjiro “Kenji”, a warm and curious character with a rich background. Kenji, raised to be a samurai, never got to fulfill his destiny due to the Meiji Restoration in Japan. After avenging his father’s murder, he was forced to flee his country, carrying only his sword and a sense of shame. Yamamura’s portrayal of Kenji adds a layer of vulnerability and hope to the character, as he navigates a new life in America, working hard to get by and refusing to let pain define him. Kenji’s quiet wait for a righteous moment to draw his blade adds an intriguing dynamic to the story.
Michael Rubenfeld will play Eli “Wick” Kagan, a da Vinci-esque genius inventor with a unique background. Wick, a sickly child, spent his early years reading about mechanical engineering, making him a brilliant but socially awkward individual. His character brings a sense of chaotic hope to the group, masking his loneliness behind a crooked grin and a spark of genius. Rubenfeld’s portrayal of Wick adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, as we explore the genius mind behind the inventions that will shape the series.
Finally, Joel Nankervis will portray Jebidah “Jeb” Campbell, a quick-witted and impulsive character with a burst of nervous energy. Jeb, a rambunctious Quaker teenager, is fascinated by gunslingers despite the Quaker teachings of nonviolence. His community’s attack transforms him, and he becomes convinced that fighting back is the only way forward. Nankervis’s portrayal of Jeb adds a layer of complexity and tension to the story, as we explore the internal conflict between his Quaker upbringing and the harsh realities of the frontier.
The expansion of the cast is a significant development for the series, as it continues to build an impressive ensemble of characters. With the addition of these four talented actors, the show promises to deliver a captivating and thought-provoking narrative, exploring themes of honor, sacrifice, redemption, morality, and faith. The series, written and executive produced by Tim Kring, alongside a talented team of producers, is set to be a must-watch for fans of the Western genre and those seeking a compelling and diverse cast of characters.
As the production continues in Calgary, the anticipation for ‘The Magnificent Seven’ grows, with fans eager to see how these new characters will fit into the story and contribute to the exploration of the central question: Is violence acceptable to defend people whose faith is based on non-violence? The series is poised to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking narrative, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
