Misia Butler discusses trans-masc character in new Netflix series ‘Kaos’

[Picture: Netflix]

Misia Butler, a trans actor, is set to star in the upcoming Netflix series Kaos. Butler portrays the character Caneus in a show that reimagines ancient Greek mythology, providing a fresh and intriguing narrative. In a recent press event, Butler shared an emotional experience that occurred during filming.

The event took place while shooting a scene on the first day of filming, which turned out to also be Butler’s audition scene. The scene involved Butler and another character engaged in a deeply moving conversation on a bench. Reflecting on the moment, Butler said, “It was just incredible. I think I’ve said this so often throughout filming, throughout this whole run. I mean, as soon as I learnt about this character, I was obsessed. And I learnt about the character in school, so I’m, like, even more obsessed.”

Butler emphasised the significance of portraying Caneus, a trans-masculine character, with depth beyond their identity. “And to just experience such incredible writing that really allows for a character, a trans character, trans-masculine character, to have such character outside of their identity, is really special. I think that it doesn’t happen so often, and I feel very blessed for that,” Butler expressed.

During the filming of the poignant scene, both Butler and a fellow cast member, identified as Charlie by Butler, were visibly moved. “I think it was my first day of filming, we were doing this scene, my audition scene, where me and another character on a bench were just chatting for a really long time, and I was so moved. And then afterwards I saw Charlie was really moved too. And we both were just crying and hugging,” Butler recalled.

Reflecting on the importance of these moments, Butler said, “I just know that if I was watching this scene as the child that I was, I would feel immeasurably seen, and just have had a much stronger experience, because I would have been represented in such a strong way.”

“Kaos” boasts an impressive ensemble cast alongside Butler, including Jeff Goldblum, Janet McTeer, David Thewlis, Stephen Dillane, and Billie Piper. Aurora Perrineau, who plays Riddy, is also part of the central quartet of mortals in the series, alongside characters Orpheus (Killian Scott), Caneus (Misia Butler), and Ari (Leila Farzad).

The series reimagines the Greek gods, centring on Zeus’s increasing paranoia following the discovery of a wrinkle, which he interprets as a sign of his impending fall. This concern sets Zeus, portrayed in a constant state of neurosis, against both divine and mortal entities. Meanwhile, Hades (David Thewlis) is struggling with declining influence in the Underworld, and Hera (Janet McTeer) is forced to assert her power amidst Zeus’s growing madness. Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan) is portrayed as equally rebellious, leading to a potential cosmic clash with his father. Poseidon (Cliff Curtis), indifferent to human affairs, prioritises his lavish lifestyle.

The quartet of mortals—Riddy, Orpheus, Caneus, and Ari—find themselves inextricably linked in the fight against the gods, each possessing unique roles that could determine the doom of the divine rulers.