Blogs

Succession, an HBO hit series, follows the Roy family as they fight over Logan Roy’s media empire. Logan Roy is known to use violence and control over others to pursue power; his children Kendall, Shiv and Roman are each engaged in battle to seize control of his company.

Showrunner Jesse Armstrong took inspiration from several real-life moguls and families when crafting the Roy clan, but who really dictates its succession?

Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong)

Kendall Roy is the heir apparent of Waystar-Royco and an influential media magnate, yet that doesn’t make him happy. Succession’s season four premiere proved this point with its final scene depicting co-CEO Roy staring vacantly into Battery Park waters — symbolising how this story began when he believed himself the savior of his family empire only to end with him emotionally exhausted and alone. Strong was widely lauded for giving such an unflinching performance – an actor known for diving deep into roles like Kendall Roy who so compellingly captured both character’s emotional reserves.

Jeremy Strong was born on Christmas Day 1978 and spent his early years living in Jamaica Plain, the working-class neighborhood of Boston where Succession takes place. From an early age he started acting and by high school was landing minor roles in movies such as Amistad and The Crucible. With hard work honed craft in hand Jeremy made his Broadway debut in 2008’s revival of A Man for All Seasons alongside Daniel Day-Lewis who was an early inspiration.

Strong has since gone on to portray many prominent real-life figures such as John George Nicolay in Lincoln (2012), Lee Harvey Oswald in Parkland (2014), James Reeb in The Big Short (2015), and Jerry Rubin from An Enemy of the People for which his film adaptation will debut in 2020. However, it was his work on Succession which brought widespread critical acclaim and helped make him an internationally acclaimed name.

Strong recently discussed his relationship with the show in an interview with Variety, explaining that it’s enabled him to express some of his deeper emotions as a father. “I find it fascinating trying to convey feelings not just through acting, but as an actual human,” he noted, noting how this show has done this in such an engaging and down-to-earth way that I’ve enjoyed bringing these characters to life!

Succession returns on Oct. 17 on HBO and Sky Atlantic, following real-life plutocrats as they attempt to cover up sexual scandals while testifying before congress – we know Kendall and his siblings will bring plenty of drama and spectacle in media dynasties!

Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin)

Roman may be Logan Roy’s youngest child, but he’s certainly his most destructive and inhumane offspring. As Logan Roy’s successor and with an emphasis on antidemocratic tactics – particularly during their annual softball tournament – Roman’s moral degradation has been an integral component of this season. Roman is responsible for offering $1 Million to caretaker’s child from episode one and throwing balls at an annoying rival (who then was forced into signing a nondisclosure agreement). Additionally he attempts to set his own rules while seeking pleasure in undermining democracy – his signature actions take place alongside those of Logan Roy himself!

He’s the one trying to derail a deal to purchase Pierce from Waystar, even though Kendall and Shiv – whom he has formed an alliance with this season – want it through. And it appears likely that he may leave behind his current rebellious coalition; signs indicate this possibility are already emerging.

Culkin, who plays Roman on HBO series True Blood, describes that his character of Roman is perfect for him because it allows him to portray someone with unconventional relationships to women in film and TV. Roman has two children with his partner Jazz Charton: Kinsey Sioux and Wilder Wolf – their children being Kinsey Sioux and Wilder Wolf respectively.

Kieran Culkin has long been a force on the acting scene, perhaps best-known for his portrayal of Fuller in Home Alone from 1990. Succession marks Kieran’s most noteworthy role yet as it has quickly become one of television’s premier shows and has gone viral online.

Culkin has quickly become a viewer favorite with his clever one-liners and eccentric personality, but according to Culkin there is much more depth behind Roman. “People just see sort of romantic but there’s something dark there too,” Culkin noted in an interview with TV Insider. He continued, adding that producers will soon reveal additional layers to Roman.

Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook)

Shiv Roy stands out as an unforgettable female character on Succession with her tailored power suits and unfaltering ambition. Born from Logan Roy – the show’s patriarch – Shiv is unafraid in her pursuit to succeed him as head of Waystar Royco media conglomerate. Shiv’s fierce competitive attitude can be seen through her style: loose waves have been cut into an angular bob while shapeless sweaters have been swapped out for Ralph Lauren or MaxMara suiting to reflect her fierce competitive spirit.

Australian actress Jessica Lange has earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Shiv on Australian show Doctor Doctor. Lange credits the long filming hours as helping to elevate her craft as an actor: they allowed her to improvise beyond the script itself and “find my perfect tone and way into character and create something fresh.

Shiv was at the epicenter of family drama during season 3, becoming one of the most powerful players when she and her brothers won an intense bidding war for control of a company. Unfortunately, her success was short-lived: by episode 4, it became evident that while Shiv may have felt powerful for a time, she still struggled with depression despite her newfound position. We witnessed tears, sadness and rage play across her face before quickly pushing it back within herself – testimony to Snook’s skill at conveying emotion on camera while making viewers cared deeply about her character as well.

She discussed her relationships with the rest of the cast, such as co-stars Jeremy Strong (Kendall Roy) and Kieran Culkin (Roman Roy). When asked how it felt when she found out Season 4 would be its last, she replied “it was an enormous shock for me – I wasn’t ready to leave”.

Snook revealed in an interview with Succession Uncovered that she’s looking forward to the future despite being sad to know the show would end, with plans of taking a step away from acting and exploring writing as possible endeavors.

Connor Roy (Alan Ruck)

Succession’s powerful media dynasty has often been likened to that of real-life Murdoch family. The show centers around Logan Roy (Brian Cox), CEO of Waystar Royco – an American media conglomerate involved with news, entertainment, theme parks, cruises and more – who’s run off his four powerful children Kendall Roman Shiv and Connor to take their place as leaders of Waystar Royco. Jesse Armstrong insists Succession doesn’t set out to compare any specific real-life family with one another but rather make more general observations on all real-life moguls including the Murdochs when creating it’s powerful media dynasty storylines with anyone specific real.

Connor is Logan’s eldest son and can often be treated like his younger siblings: He’s often looked down upon and treated differently than them; much like Prudence (Jennifer Goodwin). Unlike Prudence (Jennifer Goodwin), however, Connor doesn’t share in the family business and often finds himself isolated and looking in. For such an ambitious young person seeking recognition of their worth this can be dangerous territory.

Succession’s fourth season finale shows Connor taking an offer to become an ambassador to Slovenia and it seems his dream of becoming a world-renowned diplomat is within reach – but his father still doesn’t approve; seeing him only as “first pancake.”

Ruck is an experienced character actor, having had notable roles in films like Speed and Twister as well as popular sitcom Spin City. But fans of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off likely know him best as Cameron; his sidekick role was an unexpected blessing according to Ruck.

Alan Ruck had long believed he’d never be remembered beyond his work on Ferris, until he found himself cast in the hit HBO drama Succession. Ruck describes how the audition came out of nowhere, making playing Connor Roy feel like opening a treasure chest; further discussing his feelings surrounding the series finale and future plans for him and Connor Roy.