Laura Donnelly Joins Michael Fassbender in Netflix’s Ambitious Kennedy Family Series

Netflix is officially going all-in on the Kennedys, and the cast for its upcoming prestige drama is shaping up to be a serious heavyweight.

Laura Donnelly (The Nevers, Sugar) has signed on to star opposite Michael Fassbender in Kennedy, the streamer’s ambitious new drama series that digs into the lives, loves, rivalries, and inevitable tragedies of one of America’s most famous families. She’ll be joined by Nick Robinson (A Teacher, Maid) and newcomer Joshuah Melnick, both of whom have landed series-regular roles.

The series comes from Chernin Entertainment and is based on Fredrik Logevall’s acclaimed book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917–1956, which focuses on the formative years that shaped John F. Kennedy long before the White House.

Fassbender takes on the role of Joe Kennedy Sr., the ambitious and often ruthless patriarch, while Donnelly will portray Rose Kennedy, the steely and deeply religious matriarch of the family. Robinson steps into the role of Joe Kennedy Jr., the golden child whose presence looms large over his siblings, and Melnick will play a younger Jack Kennedy—yes, the future JFK—who’s struggling to define himself while living in his brother’s shadow.

The supporting cast is equally stacked. Ben Miles (Andor, The Crown) will appear in a recurring role as Eddie Moore, Joe Kennedy Sr.’s longtime and trusted aide. Lydia Peckham (Robin Hood, Nuremberg) plays Rosemary Kennedy, the eldest daughter whose tragic story has long haunted the family’s legacy. Saura Lightfoot-Leon (The Agency, American Primeval) takes on Kick Kennedy, sister to JFK and RFK, while Cole Doman (The Mastermind, Mutt) portrays Jack’s best friend Lem Billings. Imogen Poots (The Chronology of Water, All of You) rounds out the recurring cast as Hollywood legend Gloria Swanson.

Behind the camera, the creative pedigree is just as impressive. The series comes from showrunner Sam Shaw and director Thomas Vinterberg, and it kicks off in the 1930s. The eight-episode first season charts the unlikely rise of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, with a particular focus on Jack’s rebellious streak and his complicated relationship with his celebrated older brother.

Shaw executive produces alongside Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Kaitlin Dahill for Chernin Entertainment, as well as Eric Roth, Fredrik Logevall, Lila Byock, Anya Epstein, Dustin Thomason, Vinterberg, and Anna O’Malley.

Between the stacked cast, the historical scope, and the creative team behind it, Kennedy is clearly aiming to be Netflix’s next big prestige drama—and one that digs deeper than the familiar headlines to explore how the Kennedy myth was forged.