How ‘Superfakes’ with Lucy Liu & Ken Leung Will Captivate

Peacock’s upcoming crime drama, “Superfakes,” is generating significant buzz with its intriguing premise and a burgeoning cast. The series, which previously announced Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Lucy Liu in its lead role, has now added veteran actor Ken Leung to its ensemble, signaling a strong lineup for the highly anticipated show. This casting news further solidifies the dramatic potential of “Superfakes,” which delves into the high-stakes world of luxury counterfeiting.

Ken Leung Joins the Cast of ‘Superfakes’

Ken Leung, known for his versatile performances across television and film, has officially joined the cast of Peacock’s “Superfakes.” While specific details about his character remain under wraps, it is widely believed that Leung will portray the husband of Lucy Liu’s character.

Leung’s extensive acting career includes prominent roles in critically acclaimed series such as HBO’s “Industry,” where he currently stars, as well as fan-favorite shows like “Lost,” “The Sopranos,” and “High Maintenance.” He also appeared in the Netflix live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” On the big screen, Leung’s credits span various genres, including roles in “Saw,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Rush Hour,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old.” His diverse experience suggests he will bring depth and nuance to his role in “Superfakes,” complementing Liu’s portrayal of the series’ central figure.

Exploring the World of ‘Superfakes’

“Superfakes” is described as a crime drama that plunges into the dangerous black-market underworld of luxury counterfeit goods. The narrative centers on a small-time Chinatown dealer, played by Lucy Liu, who navigates this illicit world. Her motivation stems from a desire to finance a life of suburban respectability for her family.

The series promises a compelling exploration of the moral complexities and inherent risks associated with counterfeiting, contrasting the allure of a seemingly legitimate life with the harsh realities of criminal enterprise. The show was initially given a series order in January, with Lucy Liu’s casting announced in September, setting the stage for its dramatic storyline.

The Visionary Team Behind the Series

The creative force behind “Superfakes” is Alice Ju, who serves as the series’ creator, writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Ju’s prior work includes an Emmy win as part of the producing team for the acclaimed Netflix series “Beef,” where she also served as a writer and co-executive producer. She also contributed as a writer and consulting producer to Peacock’s popular series “Poker Face,” starring Natasha Lyonne, and worked on the Netflix series “Russian Doll.” Her track record suggests a strong narrative vision for “Superfakes.”

Adding to the project’s creative power are Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie, known for their distinctive cinematic style in films like “Uncut Gems.” The Safdie brothers are on board as executive producers, alongside Howard Klein, Olivia Gerke of 3 Arts, Ronald Bronstein, and Eli Bush. Lucy Liu will also take on an executive producer role in addition to her starring duties. The series is being produced by A24, a company recognized for its acclaimed and often boundary-pushing content, and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Anticipation for the Crime Drama

With a compelling premise, a talented lead in Lucy Liu, the proven versatility of Ken Leung, and a robust creative team including Alice Ju and the Safdie brothers, “Superfakes” is poised to be a significant addition to Peacock’s original programming. The series is expected to offer a gritty yet insightful look into a world rarely depicted with such depth, exploring themes of family, ambition, and the dangerous pursuit of a better life.

Conclusion

The casting of Ken Leung alongside Lucy Liu in Peacock’s “Superfakes” marks a significant development for the upcoming crime drama. With its focus on a luxury counterfeit dealer navigating a perilous underworld to secure her family’s future, and backed by a highly accomplished creative team, the series is shaping up to be a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience for audiences.