Since its release in 2019, Netflix’s seriesThe Umbrella Academyhas excited viewers with the story of seven child superheroes mysteriously born on the same day and adopted by the ambitious billionaire, Sir Reginald Hargreeves. The show has consistently drawn acclaim and large swaths of fans.The Umbrella Academygarners attention with the expected superhero flare but also carries a deeper narrativeabout dysfunctional family relationshipsand the mending of past wounds.
The premise for the series is derived from Gerard Way and illustrator Gabriel Ba’s comic books of the same name. According toLooper, Way was inspired by his experiences with his band My Chemical Romance. Way says that “being a band at really close quarters, as anyone who had that experience will tell you, is like being in a dysfunctional family.” Despite originally writingThe Umbrella Academywithin the horror genre, Way established it as a satisfying mix of gritty atmosphere and superhero action.
Like similar series, it can be difficult for some audience members to keep track of characters, their motivations, and even the actors who play them. That’s what we’re here for! Maybe you want to get a sense of the series before you dive in or want a refresher on who plays who. Whatever the case, we’ve constructed anUmbrella Academycharacter guide below to help navigate this popular Netflix series.
Viktor / Vanya Hargreeves
Viktor/ Vanya Hargreeves is Umbrella Number Seven and is also referred to as The White Violin. Although Viktor was adopted by Reginald Hargreeves as one of the children with supernatural abilities, he failed to show Reginald any otherworldly power and was excluded from family operations. Because of this exclusion and a tell-all memoir of his childhood, Viktor is estranged from his siblings until Reginald Hargreeves dies. Beyond family affairs, Viktor is also a professional violinist but lacks confidence and is too insecure to attempt to lead the violin in his orchestra.
Following Reginald’s death, it’s discovered that Viktordoeshave superhero abilities, but his adoptive father suppressed them in fear that they were too destructive. Viktor can harness sound waves and use them as a physical defense. Viktor / VanyaHargreeves is played by Elliot Paige, whose transition corresponds with Viktor’s in the show.
Luther Hargreeves
Luther, Umbrella Number One, or Spaceboy, has superstrength and is Reginald’s favorite adopted child. Professionally, Luther becomes an astronaut to complete a mission assigned by his adoptive father and spends four years on the moon. During his time on the moon, Luther is severely injured and Reginald must preserve him with a special serum, which turns Luther’s upper half into that of an ape. He is the most loyal to Reginald and remains with The Umbrella Academy the longest.
In the show, Luther realizes Viktor’s abilities are to blame for the current apocalypse and locks him away, just as their father had done. He eventually comes to his senses, recognizes the hurt that Viktor is carrying, and releases his brother. Luther is played by Tom Hopper who is best known for his otherroles inGame of ThronesandMerlin.
Diego Hargreeves
Diego, Umbrella Number Two, also known as The Kraken, is the rebellious sibling with the power to influence the trajectory of objects and weapons and may have mild telekinesis. Diego dislikes that Luther is Reginald’s favorite and the two brothers form a sometimes destructive rivalry. He is often unwilling to accept orders and went he leaves The Umbrella Academy and joins a vigilante group. His love interest in the show is Detective Eudora Patch, a police officer, and Diego’s ex-partner. Diego is portrayed by actor David Castaneda.
Alison Hargreeves
Alison, Umbrella Number Three, also known as the Rumor, uses her ability, the power to influence reality by telling a lie, to become a famous actress after she leaves The Umbrella Academy. She uses her powers to further her popularity, seduce her husband Patrick, and control their future child.
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Because of the narcissistic use of her abilities, Alison loses custody of her child to Patrick, and they divorce. Alison is also romantically involved with her adoptive brother, Luther. Alison is played by Emmy Raver-Lampman.
Klaus Hargreeves
Klaus, Umbrella Number Four, or The Séance, can converse with the dead. He is also a wild drug addict and is in rehab at the beginning of thegreat Netflix series, only to return to use after his treatment. After his release, he fuels his addiction by stealing and using his supernatural abilities. Klaus is played by Robert Sheehan.
Five Hargreeves
Five, Umbrella Number Five, or The Boy, has the ability to time travel. Despite his adoptive father’s protests, Five travels to the future only to discovera post-apocalyptic worldand was unable to return to his original time. He stayed there and aged as he would in his previous reality. At some point, he joins a secret organization that manages the world’s timeline and prevents unwanted detours. He returns to his previous time when the apocalypse occurs and brings his family together to prevent the end of the world. Five is played by Aidan Gallagher.
Ben Hargreeves
Ben, Umbrella Number Six, or The Horror, can release horrifying, tentacled creatures from within his body. He dies during an Academy mission and his memorial stands in front of the Academy headquarters.
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Although he is deceased in the show, he appears in Klaus’ visions and offers advice, since Klaus can converse with the dead. Ben is portrayed by actor Justin H. Min.
Sir Reginald Hargreeves
Reginald, also known as The Monocle, is a famous scientist and billionaire when he adopts seven of the forty-three supernatural newborns. Reginald behaves coldly and only allows his energy to go towards his children harnessing their powers. He calls his children by numbers instead of names and cares more about praise than his adopted family. At the beginning of the Netflix series, Reginald abruptly dies under mysterious circumstances. Reginald is played by actor Colm Feore.
Phinneas Pogo
Phinneas is Reginald’s personal assistant and is an intelligent, speaking chimpanzee. He and Luther Hargreeves are very close friends. Dr. Pogo is voiced by Adam Godley.
Grace Hargreeves
Grace is a robot constructed by Reginald to mother the children inThe Umbrella Academy. Grace is based on Reginald’s former girlfriend and appears to look like a 1950s housewife. She is portrayed by Jordan Claire Robbins.
Hazel and Cha-cha
Hazel and Cha-cha are two agents involved in The Commission, the same organization that Five is involved in. The two agents, who wear incredibly creepy animal masks, are responsible for eliminating any problems in the timeline. Cameron Britton andMary J. Blige play Hazeland Cha-cha.
So far,The Umbrella Academyhas three seasons available for streaming on Netflix. The show has yet to be renewed for season four.
