Hugh Dancy has joined the cast of Homeland for its final season. That’s right, the actor will star alongside his real-life wife, Claire Danes, for the Showtime series’ eighth bow. It is going to be a family affair! Who is Dancy playing? Here is what you need to know.
The Path and Hannibal actor will make his Homeland debut for what is set to be an arc spanning multiple episodes. That suggests this should be a rather pivotal role in Season 8. Hugh Dancy will star in a recurring capacity as John Zabel. How Zabel fits into things is intriguing, so prepare to speculate.
Hugh Dancy’s John Zabel is a “savvy consultant” in Washington D.C. As you may have predicted, he will be joining the staff at the White House. His role will be that of a foreign-policy adviser to Beau Bridge’s President Warner. While he is seemingly good news for the president, he is not for Mandy Patinkin’s Saul Berenson.
Hugh Dancy’s Zabel will reportedly be an opponent for Saul and a “formidable” one at that. Saul will be involved with the White House too, acting as the National Security Advisor to the president. It sounds like Homeland fans should expect their share of clashes between Zabel and Saul.
Hence, Saul will have to remain sharp, and that is where Carrie will come in. Details on the plot for Homeland’s final season reveal that he will recruit Carrie for one last mission. Do last missions ever turn out well? In a sign that Carrie's might be difficult for her, the mission teased is going to be an intense one.
Homeland creator Alex Gansa previously revealed Season 8’s action would take place in Washington D.C. and overseas. The latest two castings have been for characters whose stories should unravel in the former destination.
Hugh Dancy’s character is one of the latest new additions to Season 8. He joins True Blood’s Sam Trammel in a previously announced part. Trammel will take on the role of the vice president, which means he and Dancy should share some screen time on Homeland. That should be fun!
Whether Hugh Dancy’s John Zabel and Claire Danes’ Carrie share the screen is another question. It would not be the first time the husband-and-wife co-starred. They previously starred in the 2007 movie, Evening together, although they weren't yet married at the time.
Homeland marks Hugh Dancy’s first television role since the Hulu series The Path. It got cancelled after three seasons. He may still be best-remembered for his role on Hannibal. Dancy gets to head into his Homeland stint knowing it will be a short-lived one. Time to seize the moment!
A premiere date for Homeland’s final season on Showtime has not gotten set yet, so stay tuned.
