Haley Lu Richardson has been tapped for a prominent role alongside Emilia Clarke in the upcoming Peacock series titled “Ponies,” as reported by Variety. The show, which was given a straight-to-series order by Peacock in August, is set to be an espionage thriller taking place in Moscow in 1977.
The premise of the show revolves around two “Ponies,” or individuals deemed as “persons of no interest” in intelligence circles, who work covertly as secretaries at the American Embassy. However, their lives take a drastic turn when their husbands are mysteriously killed in the USSR, leading them to become CIA operatives. Clarke portrays Bea, an educated Russian speaker with Soviet immigrant roots, while Richardson plays Twila, a bold and gritty small-town girl. Together, they delve into a complex Cold War conspiracy to uncover the truth behind their husbands’ deaths.
Both Clarke and Richardson have garnered critical acclaim for their performances in HBO dramas. Richardson, particularly known for her role as Portia in Season 2 of “The White Lotus,” has also made a mark in the film industry with standout performances in movies like “Split,” “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Columbus,” “Support the Girls,” and “Unpregnant.” She is represented by Gersh, Viewpoint, and Sloane Offer.
“Ponies” is created, written, and executive produced by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, with Fogel also taking on directing duties. Iserson will co-showrun alongside executive producer Mike Daniels, while Clarke will not only star but also executive produce the series. Jessica Rhoades, under her Pacesetter Productions banner, serves as an executive producer, with Alison Mo Massey and Katherine Bridle as co-executive producers. The show is produced by Universal Television.
The series promises to be a thrilling and intriguing addition to Peacock’s lineup, with a talented cast and creative team at the helm. Fans of espionage dramas and mystery thrillers are sure to be captivated by the story of “Ponies” as it unfolds on screen.