The Abandons has just dropped on Netflix and the Wild West drama boasts an impressive cast including Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson
09:34, 04 Dec 2025
Netflix's latest addition, The Abandons, is a Western drama set in the 1850s that delves into the conflicts of various outlaw groups during the Old West. The show has been well-received by critics.
The Netflix series centres around Fiona Nolan, a devout Irish woman who, unable to have children of her own, adopts four orphans to create her own family.
She finds herself at odds with a family of aristocrats who lay claim to her newly acquired home in Oregon, led by the formidable Constance Van Ness.
Her three children bear the brunt of her fierce protection, leading some to question whether she truly has their best interests at heart.
Here's everything you need to know about the main cast and the extensive list of recurring stars.
Fiona Nolan - Lena Headey
Lena Headey, a 52 year old British actress, plays the head of The Abandons. She's best known for her role as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones.
Her other notable roles include appearances in The Brothers Grimm and 300. On the small screen, she's recognised for playing Sarah Connor in the sci-fi series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Headey is married to American actor Marc Menchaca and they have two children together.
Elias Teller - Nick Robinson
Nick Robinson, a 30 year old American actor, portrays Fiona's adopted son Elias. He's known for his roles in Love, Simon and Maid.
Earlier in his career, he had a main role in the television sitcom Melissa & Joey. Robinson also had a supporting role in the blockbuster film Jurassic World.
Dahlia Teller - Diana Silvers
Fiona's adopted daughter is portrayed by Diana Silvers, a 28 year old American actress, singer and model.
You might recognise her as Erin Naird from the comedy series Space Force. She made her acting debut in a 2018 episode of the Hulu thriller series Into the Dark.
She also featured in Sarah Adina Smith's 2021 film Birds of Paradise.
Albert Mason - Lamar Johnson
Albert Mason, another of Fiona's adopted children, is played by Lamar Johnson - a Canadian actor and dancer known for his role as West in the dance drama The Next Step.
He may also be recognised for his roles as Seven Carter in the film The Hate U Give, Charlie in All the Bright Places and as Henry Burrell in The Last of Us.
Lilla Belle - Natalia del Riego
Lilla Belle, Fiona's final adopted child, is portrayed by Natalia del Riego, a 24 year old American actress who played Daniela Perez in the family drama series Promised Land.
Fans may also recognise her as Rosa Reyes in NCIS: Los Angeles.
Constance Van Ness - Gillian Anderson
The Van Ness family is led by Constance, played by Gillian Anderson - a 57 year old American actress famous for her role as Dana Scully in The X-Files.
She is also known for her roles as Stella Gibson in The Fall and as Jean Milburn in Sex Education.
The star also portrayed British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of The Crown.
The actress, who is a mother to three children, has been in a relationship with British screenwriter Peter Morgan since 2016.
Trisha Van Ness - Aisling Franciosi
Constance's daughter Trisha is portrayed by Aisling Franciosi, a 32 year old Irish actress who gained recognition for her leading role in the film The Nightingale.
She has also graced the small screen, starring alongside Anderson in The Fall, and securing roles in Legends and Black Narcissus.
Garret Van Ness - Lucas Till
Lucas Till, a 35 year old American actor, plays Constance's son Garret. He's best known for his role as Havok in Marvel's X-Men prequel films.
He also took on the title role in the CBS action crime drama series MacGyver. Interestingly, he's shared the screen with Miley Cyrus on several occasions, featuring in Hannah Montana: The Movie and the singer's music video for The Climb.
He's married to actress Skyler Samuels and they have one child together.
The series boasts an impressive roster of guest and recurring stars, including Clayton Cardenas, Marc Menchaca, Patton Oswalt, Toby Hemingway and Brían F. O'Byrne.
Other notable appearances include Ryan Hurst, Michael Greyeyes, Katelyn Wells, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Michael Ornstein, Jonathan Koensgen, Jack Doolan, Michiel Huisman, Haig Sutherland and Sarah Grace White.
Guest stars feature Timothy V. Murphy, Amitai Marmorstein, Kimberly Guerrero, Shaun Sipos, Marcuis W. Harris, Natasha Mumba and Phillip Garcia.
The Abandons is available on Netflix.