Full Breakdown
Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett Join Cast of Disney+ Series "Rivals" Season 2
8/20/2025, 8:44:22 PM
New Additions to the Cast
Disney+ has announced that Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett will join the cast of the second season of "Rivals," a drama based on Jilly Cooper's bestselling novel. Atwell, known for her roles in "Mission: Impossible" and "Agent Carter," will portray Helen Gordon, the ex-wife of Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, and mother to his children, Marcus and Tabitha. Everett, recognized for his performances in "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Napoleon," will take on the role of Malise Gordon, Helen's new husband and Rupert's former show-jumping coach.
The casting announcement was made by showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins during the Edinburgh TV Festival, where he revealed that the production is currently filming six episodes of an extended 12-part season. The new season aims to delve deeper into the characters and their backstories, particularly focusing on the dynamics between Rupert and his ex-wife Helen.
Background and Context
"Rivals" first premiered to critical acclaim, quickly becoming one of Disney+'s most popular British original dramas. Set against the backdrop of the glamorous and competitive world of 1980s British television, the series follows the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant. The show is produced by Happy Prince, a subsidiary of ITV Studios, and has been praised for its bold storytelling and engaging characters.
Official Statements & Responses
Lee Mason, Executive Director of Scripted Originals for Disney+ EMEA, expressed enthusiasm about the new cast members, stating, “Rivals is a landmark series for Disney+, quickly becoming one of our most beloved British U.K. original dramas. I’m delighted to welcome Hayley and Rupert to our extraordinary family of actors.” Treadwell-Collins echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the new characters and the depth they will bring to the series.
Criticism & Opposition
While the show has garnered a strong fanbase, some critics have pointed out concerns regarding its portrayal of sexuality and nudity. During the first season, the series sparked discussions in the UK media, particularly about its explicit content. Lee Mason acknowledged the challenges faced in balancing the show's racy elements with its narrative tone, indicating that the creative team spent considerable time deliberating on these aspects.
What's Next
The second season of "Rivals" is set to feature an expanded cast, including newcomers Maxim Ays, Holly Cattle, Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Eliot Salt, and Jonny Weldon. The series is expected to return to Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the U.K. and internationally, with all episodes of the first season currently available for streaming. Fans can anticipate a release date for the new season in late 2025 or early 2026, promising more drama and intrigue in the lives of the residents of Rutshire.
