Here Are 21 "Shadow And Bone" Side-By-Sides Of The Cast On The Show Vs. In Real Life

I'd like to just be best friends with this entire cast.

1. Jessie Mei Li as Alina Starkov

Netflix / @jessie_mei_li / Via instagram.com

Shadow and Bone is Jessie's first major TV series as they bring the beloved Alina Starkov to life. Notably, Jessie appeared in the stage production of All About Eve in 2019 opposite Gillian Anderson and Lily James. After Shadow and Bone, Jessie can be seen in Last Night in Soho alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Diana Rigg, and more.

You can follow Jessie on Instagram here.

2. Ben Barnes as General Kirigan/The Darkling

Netflix / @benbarnes / Via instagram.com

To this day, Ben is probably best know for his role as Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia films. Since then, he's gone on to star in movies like Dorian Gray, The Big Wedding, Seventh Son, and more. In terms of TV, before becoming The Darkling on Shadow and Bone, he starred on Westworld, The Punisher, and Gold Digger.

You can follow Ben on Instagram here.

3. Archie Renaux as Malyen "Mal" Oretsev

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Before starring as Mal, Archie appeared in a number of short films, Body of Water, and most recently, Voyagers. He also starred on the miniseries Gold Digger opposite his Shadow and Bone costar Ben Barnes. After Shadow and Bone, you'll be able to catch Archie in Morbius alongside Jared Leto, Matt Smith, and more.

You can follow Archie on Instagram here.

4. Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker

Netflix / @freddycarter1 / Via instagram.com

Prior to his work as Kaz Brekker on Shadow and Bone, Freddy is probably best known for his starring role as Pin Hawthorne on Netflix's Free Rein. He also appeared in several episodes of Pennyworth and the miniseries 15 Days, and Freddy even had a role as a soldier in Wonder Woman.

You can follow Freddy on Instagram here.

5. Amita Suman as Inej Ghafa

Netflix / @amitasuman_ / Via instagram.com

Inej Ghafa is Amita's first major role and she absolutely crushes it. Prior to Shadow and Bone, she had a few minor roles before starring in an episode of Doctor Who as the younger version of Umbreen, Yaz's grandmother. Amita also has a recurring role on The Outpost.

You can follow Amita on Instagram here.

6. Kit Young as Jesper Fahey

Netflix / @kittheyounger / Via instagram.com

Before perfectly bringing Jesper to life on Shadow and Bone, Kit is probably best known for his UK theater work. He performed in The Real Thing, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and more before landing the role of Lysander in A Midsummer Night's Dream opposite Gwendoline Christie. His work as Lysander earned him an Ian Charleson Award nomination, which recognizes the best classic stage performances in Britain for actors under age 30.

You can follow Kit on Instagram here.

7. Danielle Galligan as Nina Zenik

Netflix / @daniellegalligan_ / Via instagram.com

Nina Zenik is Danielle's first major TV role, and she brings this character to life so well. Prior to Shadow and Bone, Danielle mostly worked in theater in Ireland. She starred in productions of The Grimm Tale of Cinderella, Lyrics, Summertime, 12 Christmas Poems, and more. In terms of movies and TV, she's appeared in several short films, as well as episodes of Game of Thrones, Krypton, and Cold Courage.

You can follow Danielle on Instagram here.

8. Calahan Skogman as Matthias Helvar

Netflix / @calahan.skogman / Via instagram.com

Shadow and Bone is Calahan's first major acting role in both film and TV. Before taking on the role of Matthias Helvar, he appeared in a few short films. Also, despite his accent in Shadow and Bone, Calahan is actually American.

You can follow Calahan on Instagram here.

9. Daisy Head as Genya Safin

Netflix / Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images

Before starring as Genya, our favorite Tailor, on Shadow and Bone, Daisy appeared in several other TV projects. Most notably, she starred as Grace on Guilt, Amy on The Syndicate, and Kate on Harlots. She also appeared in movies like Underworld: Blood Wars and Ophelia. Fun fact: Daisy is the daughter of Anthony Head, aka Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

10. Sujaya Dasgupta as Zoya Nazyalensky

Netflix / @sujaya_dasgupta / Via instagram.com

Zoya Nazyalensky is one of Sujaya's first major roles. Prior to Shadow and Bone, she starred on shows like Guilt, Press, and Casualty. In 2020, Sujaya also appeared in an episode of I May Destroy You as a member of Arabella's support group.

You can follow Sujaya on Instagram here.

11. Luke Pasqualino as David Kostyk

Netflix / Mike Marsland / WireImage / Getty Images

To this day, Luke is probably best known for his role as Freddie McClair on Skins. After starring in two seasons of Skins, Luke went on to appear in shows like The Borgias, The Musketeers, Our Girl, and Snatch opposite Rupert Grint. In terms of film, Luke appeared in the critically acclaimed Snowpiercer in 2013.

You can follow Luke on Instagram here.

12. Zoë Wanamaker as Baghra

Netflix / David M. Benett / Getty Images

A renowned theater actor in both the UK and on Broadway, Zoë has earned several Tony Award nominations and she won Olivier Awards for her work in Once in a Lifetime and Electra. However, Zoë is probably widley recognized for her performance as Madam Hooch in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. She's also starred in movies like Wilde and My Week with Marilyn. In terms of TV, Zoë is known for her roles on My Family, Agatha Christie's Poirot, Mr. Selfridge, and Girlfriends. She currently stars on Britannia, and she recently appeared in an episode of Killing Eve.

13. Julian Kostov as Fedyor

Netflix / @juliankostov / Via instagram.com

A Bulgarian actor, Julian has appeared in numerous short films and movies like Leatherface, Ben-Hur, London Has Fallen, Another Mother's Son, and more. Aside from starring as Fedyor on Shadow and Bone, he currently stars as Timur on A Discovery of Witches. Julian also appeared on Berlin Station, Back, and episodes of Treadstone.

You can follow Julian on Instagram here.

14. Simon Sears as Ivan

Netfix / @simonsears / Via instagram.com

Before starring as Ivan, a Heartrender, Simon appeared in numerous Danish TV shows, movies, and stage productions. Alongside his work on Shadow and Bone, he stars on the Danish series Herrens Veje, aka Ride Upon the Storm, and he received critical acclaim for his work in the film Vinterbrødre, aka Winter Brothers. His work in Herrens Veje and Vinterbrødre earned him Robert Awards nominations, which are the Danish equivalent of the BAFTAs or Oscars.

You can follow Simon on Instagram here.

15. Jasmine Blackborow as Marie

Netflix / @jazziblackborow / Via instagram.com

Shadow and Bone is Jasmine's first major project. Previously, she's starred in numerous short films, and you'll be able to see her in the thriller Daemon Mind in 2021.

You can follow Jasmine on Instagram here.

16. Gabrielle Brooks as Nadia

Netflix / @gabby_bro / Via instagram.com

Shadow and Bone is Gabrielle's first major TV role. Before this, she appeared in a few short films and the TV movie Coming Down the Mountain. Outside of film and TV, Gabrielle has also starred in numerous stage productions, most notably the musical adaptation of Twelfth Night.

You can follow Gabrielle on Instagram here.

17. Dean Lennox Kelly as Pekka Rollins

Netflix / @mrcraigkelly / Via instagram.com

Before starring as Pekka Rollins on Shadow and Bone, Dean is best known for his work as Kev Ball in the UK version of Shameless and as Meredith Rutter on Jamestown. Notably, he also appeared as William Shakespeare in an episode of Doctor Who in 2007. In terms of film, Dean has starred in movies like Saving Grace and Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel.

18. Kevin Eldon as The Apparat

Netflix / Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images

A well-known British comedian, Kevin has starred in numerous TV shows, like Fist of Fun; The Sunday Show; Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge; Big Train; Hyperdrive; Danger Mouse; Brass Eye; and more. More recently, Kevin appeared in episodes of Game of Thrones, The Crown, Criminal: UK, Doctor Who, and more.

19. Howard Charles as Arken

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Before joining Shadow and Bone as Arken, Howard is best known for his work as Porthos in the BBC series The Musketeers, which ran from 2014 to 2016. He also appeared in TV shows like The Librarians, The Widow, The Red Line, Liar, and Alex Rider.

You can follow Howard on Instagram here.

20. Kaylan Teague as Young Alina

Netflix / @kaylan_teague / Via instagram.com

Before appearing as Young Alina in Shadow and Bone, Kaylan starred in the TV series Kiddyzuzaa and Kiddyzuzaa Land. If you want to see the cutest thing ever, you can check out Kaylan's adorable photos with Jessie Mei Li on her Instagram.

You can follow Kaylan on Instagram here.

21. Cody Molko as Young Mal

Netflix / @codyjet / Via instagram.com

Before appearing as Young Mal on Shadow and Bone, Cody starred as Daniel in The Drowning. He's also done some voice work for several videos games. Besides acting, Cody is also a musician and singer. He recently released a new single, which you can listen to here.

You can follow Cody on Instagram here.