MCU Star’s 5-Part Spy Thriller Series Has One Of Netflix’s Best Casts

From Millie Bobby Brown to Jenna Ortega, starring in a Netflix original has become a defining career moment for modern actors. Among them is Charlie Cox, whose turn as Matt Murdock in Daredevil cemented his place in pop culture. However, Daredevil isn’t Cox’s only Netflix collaboration. In 2022, he led the five-part spy thriller Treason.

A fairly-under-the-radar original Netflix minseries, Treason takes Charlie Cox from the streets of Hell’s Kitchen to the dangerous world of UK intelligence work. The series follows Cox’s Adam Lawrence, a high-ranking MI6 officer whose life is thrown into chaos when a figure from his past resurfaces, forcing him into a dangerous web of espionage, loyalty, and betrayal.

Treason may not reinvent the TV spy thriller formula, but it doesn’t need to. What it does offer is something just as compelling: a remarkably consistent cast playing characters that are deliciously easy to watch. With performances that elevate even the most familiar plot beats, Treason manages to transform a straightforward premise into something undeniably bingeable.

Treason Includes Castmembers From The MCU, Game of Thrones, Bond, Doctor Who, And More

A Star-Studded Cast Turns Familiar Spy Tropes Into Must-Watch TV

With Daredevil: Born Again bringing Matt Murdock back into the MCU spotlight, Charlie Cox’s career continues its upward trajectory. His appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Echo, and She-Hulk leading to his once-canceled Netflix show returning in a new form on Disney+ only reinforce how enduring his version of the character has become, and how much it defines his career.

It’s hard to deny that working with Netflix has been integral to the rise of Charlie Cox. While he had leading-man credentials as Tristan Thorn in Stardust back in 2007, it was Daredevil that made him a household name. When that series ended in 2018, it could have marked the end of his Netflix era. Instead, the platform quickly found a new vehicle for him in 2022 with Treason.

As Adam Lawrence, Charlie Cox brings a grounded intensity to Treason that suits the show’s tone perfectly. He balances the physicality expected of a spy thriller lead with a quieter emotional core, making Adam feel like more than just another intelligence officer caught in a conspiracy. Quality aside too, having a recognizable MCU face leading the cast almost inarguably brought in viewers.

What’s more, Charlie Cox isn’t the only Marvel connection among the cast of Netflix’s Treason. Olga Kurylenko, who plays Kara, also appeared in Black Widow and Thunderbolts as Taskmaster. Not only that, but she also carries serious Bond credentials, having starred opposite Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace. That particular link gives Treason an added layer of spy genre credibility.

However, the level of recognizable other work among the cast doesn’t stop there. From Game of Thrones, Treason brings in Ciarán Hinds (AKA GoT’s Mance Rayder) as Sir Martin Angelis, and Oona Chaplin (who played Talisa Maegyr, as well as Avatar: Fire and Ash’s Varang) as Maddy. From the TARDIS, Treason takes Alex Kingston, who portrayed fan-favorite multi-regeneration-spanning Doctor Who love interest River Song.

This inclusion of cast members from great and recognizable shows that have nothing to do with Netflix extends even further. Treason also includes Tracy Ifeachor, who would go on to play Dr. Heather Collins in The Pitt, Vikings star Danila Kozolovsky, and Beau Gadson who, as a child, held together the emotional core of the opening scene of Star Wars movie Rogue One as the young Jyn Erso.

Such broad levels of familiarity for fans of other properties is rare in a Netflix show, but Treason practically guarantees that viewers will recognize at least one face. More importantly, it ensures that every role, no matter how small, is handled with a level of polish that elevates the entire series.

What Critics Thought Of Treason

Strong Performances Keep A Familiar Spy Story Engaging

It’s a good thing Treason boasts such a strong cast, because most reviews agree the performances do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to the viewing experience. That’s not to say it’s a bad show, as it’s among the better miniseries on Netflix. It holds a solid 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a generally positive reception, albeit not a glowing one.

The overwhelming reviews for Treason say the same thing. Critics highlight that while the show is entertaining, its narrative rarely strays from well-worn spy thriller territory. The pacing, in particular, has been described as rushed, with the five-episode format moving quickly through plot beats that might have benefited from more development.

This is especially noticeable in the relationship between Adam and Maddy. Their dynamic stands out as one of the show’s most compelling elements, blending emotional tension with the broader espionage and stereotypical TV spy narrative. Chris Mandle of inews summarized the general consensus:

“Treason soon becomes more like a familial drama – think the hostile sting of Marriage Story meshed with the work-life-balance of Mr and Mrs Smith. Cox is perfect casting in that regard. He’s handsome and looks good in a suit, and he can yell and point a gun when required, but underneath that he’s also believable as a soft-hearted husband in way over his head.

This is the most engaging part of Treason. It’s a shame it couldn’t be explored in more depth, however – there is a nagging pull back to the spy stuff as the show barrels towards a conclusion, one that is mostly by-the-books.”

That tension between character drama and spy mechanics defines much of the critical response for Treason. Many reviewers found themselves more invested in the personal stakes than the larger conspiracy, which suggests where the show’s true strengths lie.

Still, Treason remains a solid entry in Netflix’s spy thriller lineup. For fans of the genre, its familiarity will feel almost cozy, offering a fast-paced, easy-to-watch experience. At the same time, it’s hard to ignore the sense of missed potential. With a cast this strong, Treason could have been something truly standout. Instead, it settles for simply being very good – an enjoyable, bingeable series that falls just short of greatness.