The Expanse Season 6 Cast Guide: New & Returning Characters

Resuming several months after the events of season 5’s thrilling finale, The Expanse season 6 thrusts each of its characters into the heart of a system-wide war waged by Belter terrorist Marco Inaros and the Free Navy. Marco’s asteroid attack on Earth has left the planet in shambles and newly reinstated UN Secretary General Chrisjen Avasarala is looking to coordinate the joint Earth-Mars fleet with James Holden and the crew of the Rocinante in an effort to defeat the Free Navy. Concurrently, Camina Drummer and what remains of her crew evade Marco’s forces in the Belt after betraying them at the end of season 5. 

Everyone from season 5’s main cast returns for The Expanse season 6 with the exception of Alex Kamal (Cas Anvar), who suffered a fatal stroke during his and Bobbie’s rescue of Naomi in the previous season’s finale. Anvar’s departure was announced after the show’s studio conducted an independent investigation into more than 30 sexual misconduct allegations against the actor. The Expanse season 6 does introduce several new characters by way of its supporting cast, but series mainstays will primarily take center stage over the show’s 6-episode final run.

The Expanse Season 6 Returning Cast & Characters

Steven Strait as James Holden – Steven Strait returns to The Expanse as the series’ lead character since season 1. As captain of the Rocinante, Holden pilots the salvaged Martian warship alongside Naomi Nagata, Amos Burton, Clarissa Mao, and Bobbie Draper in the fight against Marco’s fleet, after sticking to the sidelines for much of season 5. Outside of The Expanse, Strait is most widely recognized for his leading roles in The Covenant and 10,000 BC.

Dominique Tipper as Naomi Nagata – Dominique Tipper’s Naomi Nagata went through the wringer in The Expanse season 5, as her ex-lover Marco held her captive aboard his ship when she attempted and failed to rescue their son Filip. After enduring an onslaught of physical and emotional trauma, Naomi’s dilemma in The Expanse season 6 revolves around fighting a war against Belters, of whom she is one. Tipper’s other notable appearances include Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Girl With All the Gifts.

Wes Chatham as Amos Burton – After witnessing Marco’s initial asteroid attack firsthand on Earth in The Expanse season 5, Wes Chatham’s Amos Burton returns to outer space as the Rocinante’s mechanic, bringing Clarissa Mao along with him. One of The Expanse‘s four remaining original main cast members, Chatham also played the role of Castor in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Mockingjay Part 2.

Frankie Adams as Bobbie Draper – Former MCRN gunnery sergeant Bobbie Draper is once again portrayed by Frankie Adams in The Expanse season 6. A series regular since season 2, Bobbie is known for her no-nonsense attitude and lethal fighting skills. Her journey in The Expanse season 6 will see her reconvene with Chrisjen Avasarala, and eventually the crew of the Rocinante on a pivotal mission in the war. Adams held a role in the 2018 film Mortal Engines and will appear in the TV adaptation of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart starring Sigourney Weaver and Alycia Debnam-Carey.

Shohreh Aghdashloo as Chrisjen Avasarala – Another series mainstay since The Expanse‘s premiere in 2015, Chrisjen Avasarala returns in The Expanse season 6 as UN Secretary General. An Emmy-Award-winner and Oscar nominee, Aghdashloo counts roles in the 2003 film House of Sand and Fog and the 2008 miniseries House of Saddam among her most memorable appearances. She has also voiced characters in the Mass Effect and Destiny video game series.

Cara Gee as Camina Drummer – Cara Gee’s Camina Drummer first appeared in The Expanse season 2 as then-OPA leader Fred Johnson’s second-in-command and has since developed into a complex main character with her own central arc. Drummer’s evolving story has seen her captain the Behemoth, later renamed Medina Station, and eventually settle with a polyamorous family of Belter pirates in season 5. A member of The Expanse‘s main cast since season 4, Gee’s other notable appearances include a lead role in 2020’s The Call of the Wild alongside Harrison Ford and Omar Sy.

Keon Alexander as Marco Inaros – Keon Alexander has portrayed the Belter extremistMarco Inaros since season 4, though The Expanse season 6 is just his second full season as the show’s main villain. Whether aboard his warship the Pella or on the Belt’s new capital, Ceres station, Marco’s season 6 endeavors include rallying Free Navy support against the forces of Earth and Mars. Alexander notably appeared in seasons 2 and 3 of Hulu’s The Tyrant.

Nadine Nicole as Clarissa Mao – Locked behind bars in The Expanse season 5 before escaping with Amos when the rocks hit, Nadine Nicole’s Clarissa Mao joins the Roci crew under tense circumstances after her violent pursuit of Holden in season 3. Clarissa’s revenge arc reaches its peak in The Expanse season 6 as she aims to prove her worth to the people she once sought to destroy. Nicole’s resume also includes appearances in Hulu’s Casual, NBC’s The Village, andThe Young and the Restless.

Jasai Chase-Owens as Filip Inaros – Jasai Chase-Owens returns in The Expanse season 6 as Filip Inaros, the teenage son of Marco and Naomi. Chase-Owens appeared in the 2016 film Loserville.

Anna Hopkins as Monica Stuart – The Expanse season 6 is the show’s third season featuring Anna Hopkins’ Earth-born journalist Monica Stuart. After what started as a documentary gig aboard the Roci in season 3, Monica accompanied Holden on the ship in season 5. Hopkins previously held roles in Shadowhunters and Arrow.

Vanessa Smythe as Michio – First appearing in The Expanse season 5 as a member of Drummer’s polyamorous crew, Vanessa Smythe’s Michio gets her name from the book character Michio Pa—whose arc has been devoted to Drummer in the TV series. Michio came to Drummer’s aid in the season 5 finale, killing Karal with a fire extinguisher. Smythe appeared in 2020’s Pieces of a Woman and held a minor role in seasons 2 and 3 of Designated Survivor.

Samer Salem as Josep – Known for brief appearances inThe Boys season 2 and The Handmaid’s Tale season 4, Samer Salem reprises the role of Josep in The Expanse season 6. Josep, along with Michio, opted to stay with Drummer in the fallout of their faction’s betrayal of Marco.

The Expanse Season 6 New Cast & Characters

Kathleen Robertson as Rosenfeld Guoliang –Beverly Hills 90210 actor Kathleen Robertson makes her debut on The Expanse as Rosenfeld Guoliang, Marco’s new second-in-command aboard the Pella.

Joanne Vannicola as Nico Sanjrani – Played by Joanne Vannicola, Nico Sanjrani is the acting head of Ceres Station in The Expanse season 6. Vannicola, a Daytime Emmy winner, is known for Being Erica, Slasher, and the 2015 movie Stonewall. In a show renowned for its diverse array of characters, Sanjrani serves as The Expanse‘s first non-binary figure, also portrayed by a non-binary actor.

Emma Ho as Cara – Emma Ho’s Cara lies at the center of The Expanse season 6’s Laconia storyline as a child born on the planet to Earther parents.Ho has previously appeared in the 2019 film Code 8.

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