Creating ‘Kaos’: Writer Charlie Covell and Star Jeff Goldblum Talk Bringing Greek Myths to Life in New Netflix Series

As a lifelong cinema enthusiast who has been enthralled by the silver screen since the days of black-and-white epics, I must say that “Kaos” on Netflix has piqued my interest like no other modern production in recent memory. The blend of ancient mythology with contemporary humor and drama is a tantalizing proposition, one that harks back to the days of Rickman’s Severus Snape grappling with his inner demons as Voldemort, or even the timeless struggle between good and evil embodied by Jack Nicholson’s Joker.


As a movie enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the Netflix drama “Kaos.” In this fresh take on an ancient story, Jeff Goldblum steps into the role of Zeus, the king of gods. However, unlike traditional portrayals, Zeus in this version is an older deity grappling with issues of sexual indiscretions and growing paranoia – think of Logan Roy from “Succession.” He’s struggling to maintain control over his family and his dominion, making for a gripping and intriguing watch.

Charlie Covell, the creator, ponders why we keep returning to myths, especially since his series will be released on Aug 29th. He suggests it’s because they are ageless; their themes remain everlasting. For Covell, the topics of ‘power, misuse of power, love, death, family, and dysfunctional families’ have been recurring for a long time, and he believes they continue to resonate – captivating audiences due to their enduring appeal.”

“Kaos,” similar to “Succession,” focuses on powerful siblings locked in conflict, yet these aren’t ordinary individuals vying for a media company; instead, Covell crafts a witty and eerie tale that blends mythical and contemporary elements. The narrative spans from the grandeur of Zeus’ palace on Mount Olympus to a bleak Underworld depicted as a Kafkaesque bureaucracy teeming with humorless bureaucrats. Modern-day Crete, complete with cars, falafel stands, and everyday people in contemporary attire, lies between these realms. Even the gods embrace activewear; Zeus dons a tracksuit adorned with lightning bolts, while Poseidon (Cliff Curtis) parades around in swim trunks on his yacht amidst the Mediterranean, carrying on an intense affair with Zeus’ wife, Hera (Janet McTeer).

Creating ‘Kaos’: Writer Charlie Covell and Star Jeff Goldblum Talk Bringing Greek Myths to Life in New Netflix Series

Zeus hasn’t paid attention; he’s busy trying to prevent an ancient prophecy that predicts his demise. Meanwhile, his party-loving son Dionysus, played by Nabhaan Rizwan, is searching for a more significant role and for Zeus to take him seriously. Quickly, we meet a series of notable figures from Greek mythology, including Medusa (Debi Mazar), Orpheus and Eurydice (Killian Scott and Aurora Perrineau) and Ariadne (Leila Farzad). Their stories will intertwine in a dramatic conclusion.

As a seasoned writer myself, I find it fascinating to delve into the creative process behind the scenes of a captivating project, such as the one undertaken by writer Charlie Covell. Having spent years honing my craft and navigating the complexities of storytelling, I appreciate the ambition that drives a relatively new talent like Covell to take on such an ambitious endeavor.

Goldblum found himself drawn to the role, having taken it up in 2022 when Hugh Grant had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts. The allure lay in the timeless nature of the tales. As he put it, “Greek myths have always encompassed the entire human experience, from the beginning till now.” Additionally, he was captivated by Covell’s creation of a world that was not only intriguing and breathtaking but also deeply emotional and humorous. This resonated strongly with him.

Despite numerous power-hungry individuals dominating global scenes, Goldblum admits he didn’t draw inspiration from any real-life figures to develop his character. Instead, he primarily relied on his creativity and introspection, stating, “I mostly used my imagination, and then delved into my own feelings.” (Covell also clarifies that Donald Trump was not a model for Zeus as the project started before 2015.)

As a movie enthusiast, I admit that die-hard mythology fans might have some reservations about our show “Kaos.” After all, we weren’t afraid to reimagine some fundamental aspects of the traditional stories. However, our intention was always to create a series that’s easy for everyone to grasp and enjoy, regardless of their familiarity with classical tales. As the creator, I believe classics can sometimes come off as elitist, and I never wanted our show to be something that makes people feel inferior because they don’t understand every reference.

Although the first season’s eight-episode storyline can be self-contained, Covell hints they have ideas for a second season if Netflix decides to renew it. Goldblum is eagerly awaiting a renewal as well, expressing his curiosity about what’s next. He even asked Charlie, “What happens next?”, to which Charlie has several plans, suggesting that the ground is ripe for further exploration.

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2024-08-11 16:16