‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ Brought Back a Fan-Favorite Character in Episode 2
“Orphan Black: Echoes” has been assiduous in maintaining a separate identity from its parent show, “Orphan Black,” from focusing on different generations of clones (here, they’re 3-D printouts) to utilizing a more cinematic look. But the series also proudly wears its relationship to the parent show, most notably with Keeley Hawes’ scientist, Kira Manning, the daughter of Sarah Manning, around whom so much drama unfurled on the OG. And as viewers learned at the end of Episode 1, Kira is still in touch with the clones (though we don’t see them).
And then, in Episode 2, a familiar voice arrives: Jordan Gavaris, reprising his performance as Sarah’s best friend Felix, albeit 30 years older.
More from IndieWire
“I spoke with Jordan and let him know that this was [coming] and just wanted to see what he thought,” said “Orphan Black” co-creator and “Orphan Black: Echoes” co-executive producer and director John Fawcett. “And he was like, ‘Let me get this straight. This is going to be Felix 30 years in the future?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to try to make this character feel like he’s in his late 60s, early 70s.’ And he was like, ‘Oh my God, I love that.'”
Felix’s appearance is more than fan service. He appears just when Kira is beginning to fully realize the danger she might have unleashed upon the world by creating next-level scientific breakthroughs for a billionaire (go figure!). But more importantly, he serves as an anchor for the audience. We’re still unsure if Kira Manning can be trusted, but having Felix’ imprimatur goes a long way to easing our concerns and allowing us to trust her.
And what fun to see Felix — now a successful artist — looking so suave and well-to-do after all the drama of his 20s! “Jordan loves performing and he loves a challenge,” Fawcett said. “And so he immediately started sending me voice recordings, trying out different versions of what older Felix sounds like. And that’s a really fun process to be in with an actor. It was pretty joyful figuring that stuff out.”
And though Gavarais’ return to the role has been mentioned in reviews before the episode aired, his guest stint was something of a secret during production in 2022. “We were trying to be super stealth about not letting anyone see him, making sure that no one got pictures of him,” Fawcett said. “And when he walked on set, it was a big surprise. It was really fun. Anytime I get to hang out with Jordan, I’m happy.”
New episodes of “Orphan Black: Echoes” premiere Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on AMC.
Best of IndieWire
Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
