Spy thrillers are all the rage these days. Enter “Ponies,” the latest entry making waves even before its premiere. Set in the gritty world of the 1970s, this series revolves around a couple of unlikely heroes – two American embassy secretaries turned CIA operatives in Moscow. With the Cold War as their backdrop and the sudden deaths of their husbands setting the stage, these “ponies” – meaning “persons of no interest” in spy lingo – are here to unravel the conspiracies lurking in the USSR.
Haley Lu Richardson, known for impactful performances in films like “Columbus” and the acclaimed TV series “The White Lotus,” has joined the roster. Cast as Twila, one half of the embattled duo, her character is described as “a small-town girl who is as abrasive as she is fearless.” Richardson’s casting is a gamble but one that promises dividends, considering her knack for adding layers to characters in tension-packed narratives. And while she may not be Hollywood royalty (yet!), her track record suggests she brings enough talent to elevate “Ponies” in this first lead role on TV.
But she’s not in this alone. Sharing the spotlight is Emilia Clarke – forever adored for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones.” Clarke steps into the shoes of Bea, a highly educated, Russian-speaking immigrant with personal ties to the former Soviet Union. Together, Richardson and Clarke explore a world of espionage that’s as chilling as the Russian winter.
Meet the Minds Behind Ponies
“Ponies” is penned and directed by Susanna Fogel, alongside co-writer and showrunner David Iserson. Fogel’s previous works in the spy-thriller genre set expectations high for this show, with Iserson at the helm to steer it toward gripping storytelling and dynamic characters. This compelling combination is sure to bring more than just spy antics to Peacock, where “Ponies” streams exclusively.
And as if the premise and cast weren’t intriguing enough: this tale of intrigue and betrayal in a Cold War era brings a fresh spin with its unique lead roles – offering a predominantly female perspective in a genre still largely dominated by boys with broken watches and martinis. Now, that’s thrilling!
Closing Credits
With Haley Lu Richardson and Emilia Clarke headlining, “Ponies” promises intense drama, historical thriller vibes, and powerhouse performances. Set to debut exclusively on Peacock, this fresh take on Cold War espionage eagerly awaits your keen eye. Will Richardson’s Twila and Clarke’s Bea find the truth behind their husbands’ deaths? Expect “Ponies” to gallop its way into your must-watch list when it premieres. Stay tuned for the release date as the war on your TV screen takes on new secretaries-turned-spies.
