Kadeem Hardison (‘A Different World,’ ‘Grown-ish’) is set to become a series regular in Ed Brubaker’s upcoming Prime Video series ‘Criminal.’ This announcement follows the previous casting of Adria Arjona and Richard Jenkins.
‘Criminal,’ adapted from the acclaimed graphic novel series by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, weaves a complex web of interconnected crime stories. The series has received multiple Eisner Awards for its compelling narratives and rich character development.
Hardison will take on the role of Gnarly, an old friend of the characters Leo and Ivan. Gnarly, a nickname from his boxing days in the 1970s, is a local legend known for his fierce demeanor and the limp he’s carried for years. Despite his age, Gnarly commands respect with his ability to cause significant physical harm and his authoritative presence.
Adria Arjona will portray Greta, a sharp-witted car thief and driver who is also a widowed mother. Struggling with her desire to leave her criminal life behind, Greta seeks one last big score to secure a better future for herself and her daughter, Angie.
Richard Jenkins is cast as Ivan, a former criminal and close friend of Leo’s father. Now battling dementia, Ivan relies on Leo for care, creating additional challenges for the younger man.
The series, directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden for the first four episodes, is executive produced by Brubaker, Jordan Harper, Sean Phillips, Sarah Carbiener, and Phillip Barnett. Legendary Television and Amazon MGM Studios are also executive producers.
Hardison’s career includes his iconic role as Dwayne Wayne on NBC’s ‘A Different World,’ as well as recent appearances in AMC’s ‘Moonhaven,’ Netflix’s ‘Teenage Bounty Hunters,’ and Showtime’s ‘Black Monday.’ His extensive resume also features roles in Disney Channel’s ‘K.C. Undercover,’ ‘Grown-ish,’ NBC’s ‘Parenthood,’ The CW’s ‘Supernatural,’ and CBS’s ‘9JKL.’
Hardison’s film debut was in Stan Lathan’s 1984 adaptation of James Baldwin’s ‘Go Tell it on the Mountain,’ followed by performances in ‘Beat Street,’ Spike Lee’s ‘School Daze,’ Keenen Ivory Wayans’ ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,’ and Ron Shelton’s ‘White Men Can’t Jump.’