Sarah Pidgeon Joins Aaron Taylor-Johnson And Alicia Vikander In Netflix’s ‘Enigma Variations’

Netflix is adding even more names to the already impressive cast of Enigma Variations, its upcoming adaptation of André Aciman’s novel.

Sarah Pidgeon, Peter Hermann, Juliana Canfield and Francesca Cavallin have joined the limited series alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Alicia Vikander, Netflix announced Wednesday.

Taylor-Johnson stars as Paul, a man whose life and identity are transformed by the lovers he encounters across six pivotal years. Vikander plays Claire, with Riley Keough as Maud, Devon Terrell as Manfred, Nicholas Podany as Harlan and Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Noah

Pidgeon, recently seen in Love Story and Stereophonic, will play Chloe. Hermann joins as Isaac, Canfield as Allie and Cavallin as Luciana. 

The new casting gives Netflix an increasingly deep ensemble for a romantic drama examining masculinity, sexuality and the complicated search for lasting love.

What Is Enigma Variations About?

Enigma Variations is based on the 2017 novel by André Aciman, author of Call Me by Your Name.

The story centers on Paul and the relationships that shape him over six transformative years. Rather than focusing on a single romance, the series follows the different men and women who attract, challenge and change him as he searches for something lasting.

At the center of the story is a deceptively simple question: How do you know when you’ve actually found the one?

Aciman’s novel moves between Italy, New York and New England, giving the adaptation the opportunity to pair its intimate relationships with a much larger geographical canvas. 

It’s also familiar territory for Aciman readers. Call Me by Your Name similarly explored desire, memory and the lasting impact one relationship can have long after it ends.

Who Stars In Enigma Variations?

Netflix has assembled a substantial cast around Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Paul.

Alicia Vikander plays Claire, while Riley Keough stars as Maud. Devon Terrell plays Manfred, Nicholas Podany is Harlan and Carl Clemons-Hopkins plays Noah.

The newly announced additions are:

  • Sarah Pidgeon as Chloe
  • Peter Hermann as Isaac
  • Juliana Canfield as Allie
  • Francesca Cavallin as Luciana

Netflix hasn’t revealed much about those four characters yet, leaving their relationships with Paul — and where they fit into his six-year journey — largely under wraps. 

Who Is Making Enigma Variations?

Amanda Kate Shuman (The Wheel of TimeCarrie Soto Is Back) writes and executive produces the limited series.

Filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, whose credits include Living and The History of Sound, will direct. 

Michael Ellenberg and Lindsey Springer executive produce for Media Res, the studio behind The Morning Show and Pachinko. Aciman and Monica Levinson also serve as executive producers.

It’s an intriguing creative combination for material that will depend heavily on atmosphere, chemistry and the emotional evolution of its central character.

When Will Enigma Variations Premiere On Netflix?

Netflix has not announced a premiere date for Enigma Variations.

For now, today’s expanded casting announcement is the latest significant update on the limited series. Netflix is expected to reveal additional production details, first-look photos and a release date as the adaptation moves forward.

Netflix’s official Enigma Variations page