Slow Horses cast: Where have you seen the stars of the Apple TV spy thriller before? Details explored 

Slow Horses ( Image via YouTube / Apple TV )
Slow Horses ( Image via YouTube / Apple TV )

This spy thriller on Apple TV is not only about the heavy-duty espionage but also about great casting. The cast of Slow Horses reveals the MI5 misfits as real, imperfect, and absolutely interesting through deep, subtle, and nuanced performances.

The story, meanwhile, is told lavishly, and the audience's engagement is assured throughout the series with the help of the extensive, extraordinary talent of each actor, from the gruff Jackson Lamb to the zealous River Cartwright, who has years of industry experience.


Gary Oldman – Jackson Lamb

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The series starts with a bang through the giant presence of Gary Oldman in the role of Jackson Lamb. With an Academy Award and a marvelous filmography, Oldman is an actor who has earned recognition for his portrayals of powerful historical figures, such as Winston Churchill (Darkest Hour) and Commissioner Gordon (the Dark Knight trilogy), among others.

It is fascinating to see how the actors with the richness of their respective experiences spread over several decades come together in a single show that is both entertaining and credible. The cast is not just portraying characters; they are inhabiting the world of spies, intrigues, and secrets. This is what makes every scene stunning and every character unforgettable.


Jack Lowden - River Cartwright:

He brings energy and ambition to the role of River Cartwright as the young M15 agent who is eager to prove himself. He has worked on Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk and the dark comedy drama Patrick Melrose. He has also worked on a historical drama titled Mary, Queen of Scots.

In Slow Horses, he captures the attention as he travels through a world that is dominated by spice. His performance provides a very interesting contrast to Lamb's figure.


Kristin Scott Thomas-Diana Taverner:

Kristin Scott Thomas brings restraint and intelligence to the role of Diana Taverner. As a seasoned actress with a long list of credits, she has worked in television and film. Scott has also earned her experience through movies like The English Patient and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

In this series, she plays an intelligence-centric role with a ruthless and calculating character.


Saskia Reeves-Catherine Standish:

Saskia Reeves portrays Jackson Lamb's loyal assistant, Catherine Standish. Reeves has been everywhere on British TV and film; her roles have seen her in The Man Who Cried and A Touch of Frost.

In Slow Horses, her portrayal is always measured and grounded in seeming imperfection, full of still moments that provide grounding and insights. Reeves underlines just how even the smallest of parts can still be filled with emotional weight and narrative significance.


Jonathan Pryce – David Cartwright

River's grandfather, David Cartwright, a retired intelligence officer played by Jonathan Pryce, brings a strong sense of seriousness to the show. The actor has appeared in a variety of different films, including Brazil and The Two Popes, and the critically acclaimed series Game of Thrones in the role of the High Sparrow.

In Slow Horses, he illustrates the wisdom and knowledge of a former spy and, by opening up to the younger cast and audience, the generational complexities of MI5.


Christopher Chung – Roddy Ho

Roddy Ho, one of Lamb's agents, is played by Christopher Chung. The artist has been seen in After Life and also in some of the best theatre productions in the UK. His character in Slow Horses is a mixture of subtle humor and intelligence, which makes Roddy a character that is both easy to approach and necessary at the same time.

Chung's character illustrates to what extent the supporting cast can be a factor in the storyline.


Sophie Okonedo – Ingrid Tearney

Sophie Okonedo is the one who plays Ingrid Tearney, the former Director-General of MI5. For her role in Hotel Rwanda, she received an Academy Award nomination and has been of considerable stature in series like Ratched and The Secret Life of Bees, too.

Not only does the actress bring authenticity, but she also adds weight to the series. The viewers get a sense of the bygone era of MI5 and the era of high-stakes politics, along with the perils of the present within the institution.


Other recurring cast members

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In addition to the leading characters of Slow Horses, there are actors who appear frequently, such as Rosalind Eleazar, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, and Kadiff Kirwan. They all have their different roles in the series, some being more dramatic, some more emotional, and others funnier.

The show’s setting lets the audience experience the full range of emotions as the supporting actors bring to the show.


The casting of Slow Horses features a good mix of big names and strong supporting characters. The gravitas gained through the experience of Gary Oldman, the ambition of youth represented by Jack Lowden, the calculated authority of Kristin Scott Thomas, and the silent but steady support of Saskia Reeves contribute to and form the complex universe of the drama.

Also read: Slow Horses Season 5: Release date news, cast, streaming details and more about the Apple TV+ thriller

Edited by Yesha Srivastava