Netflix just dropped a brand new whodunit series called The Residence and it is packed with a seriously talented cast! Set inside the iconic White House this show is serving up mystery comedy and a whole lot of quirky characters. Ready to get acquainted with the faces behind this intriguing new series ? Let's dive in!
Uzo Aduba Leads the Charge as Detective Cordelia Cupp: A Bird-Loving Sleuth in the White House
At the heart of is Emmy-winner Uzo Aduba taking on the role of Cordelia Cupp. Cordelia is not your average detective. She's eccentric sharp as a tack and oh yeah she's a passionate bird watcher! Imagine solving a murder while also trying to spot rare birds. That's Cordelia for you.
Aduba herself is super excited about Cordelia's unique style. She loves how precise and detail-oriented her character is. Cordelia misses nothing and she uses all her skills even bird watching to crack the case. Cordelia arrives at the White House to solve a big question: was Chief Usher A.B. Wynter's death a suicide or murder? Get ready for a detective unlike any other .
Giancarlo Esposito Steps into the Role of A.B. Wynter: The Chief Usher at the Center of the Mystery
Emmy-nominee Giancarlo Esposito brings his powerful presence to the role of A.B. Wynter the Chief Usher whose death kicks off the entire mystery. Esposito actually took over the role after the untimely passing of Andre Braugher who was originally cast. Esposito described feeling deeply connected to the incredibly detailed White House set which helped him get into character. He mentioned feeling like he was really in the real White House which boosted his performance.
The show creators honored Andre Braugher at the end of Season 1 with a touching tribute. His spirit and the work he started remained with the cast and crew throughout filming.
Randall Park Joins the Fun as FBI Agent Edwin Park: Teaming Up with Cupp to Solve the Case
Comedy favorite Randall Park plays FBI Special Agent Edwin Park. Edwin is a bit more skeptical and grounded often acting as the perfect foil to Cordelia's quirky methods. He is teamed up with Cordelia to solve the murder adding a Classic buddy-cop dynamic to this whodunit. Park has expressed how much he enjoyed the dynamic between Edwin and Cordelia and the fun of playing opposite Uzo Aduba.
Beyond the Leads: A Star-Studded Supporting Cast in the White House
The Residence is not just about Cordelia and Edwin. It features a fantastic ensemble cast playing various White House staff and guests all of whom become suspects in the murder. Here are some other notable cast members you will see:
- Jane Curtin as Nan Cox the President's mother-in-law.
- Bronson Pinchot as Chef Didier Gotthard the White House pastry chef.
- Susan Kelechi Watson as Jasmine Haney a White House staffer.
- Al Franken as Senator leading a security investigation.
- Edwina Findley and Isiah Whitlock Jr. as White House staff members.
- Even pop star Kylie Minogue makes a guest appearance as herself!
- Molly Griggs as Lilly Schumacher the White House social secretary.
- Paul Fitzgerald as President Perry Morgan.
- Ken Marino as Harry Hollinger a presidential advisor.
- Jason Lee as Tripp Morgan the President's brother.
This cast is packed with talent bringing to life the many layers of White House life from the chefs and butlers to family members and political figures.
Filmed in a Recreated White House: The Set is a Character Itself
One thing everyone is talking about is the incredible White House set built for The Residence . Production designer François Audouy and his team constructed a massive and detailed replica at Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles. It was so realistic that Giancarlo Esposito and other cast members often forgot they were not on Pennsylvania Avenue!
The set spanned seven sound stages and included 132 rooms. They used miles of molding tons of flooring and countless details to make it authentic. Audouy aimed to create a White House audiences had never seen before one that fit the quirky murder mystery tone of the show. Even the layout of the White House is key to the mystery with secret passageways and hidden staircases adding to the intrigue.
Will Detective Cupp Return? Season 2 Possibilities and Cast Hopes
Fans are already wondering if there will be a Season 2 of The Residence . As of now Netflix has not officially renewed the show. However creator Paul William Davies has definitely thought about it. He loves the dynamic between Cordelia and Edwin and sees potential for more mysteries and adventures for them.
Uzo Aduba and Randall Park have both said they would be thrilled to return for another season. Park even joked about the idea of Cordelia and Edwin solving cases in other countries. Whether or not we get more of The Residence depends on how viewers respond but the cast and creators are definitely on board for more White House mysteries!