Since Netflix’s KAOS came out, it has been widely recognized as one of Greek mythology's most unique and daring adaptations. It embraces certain crucial elements that many other versions tend to skip. It reimagines Greek mythology through a modern lens.
However, the real strength of KAOS is that it includes the lesser-known figures from Greek myths. These figures have been erased or often misrepresented in the western narrative. The show's creator has ensured representation of these key figures by casting trans and non-binary actors in their roles. Thus, restoring queer representation in these ancient tales.
This series focuses on forgotten characters like Caeneus and the Fates and highlights the importance of diverse gender identities in mythology. Below, we explore how KAOS embraces representation through its characters and creator.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers for KAOS. It also reflects the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
KAOS: Charlie Covell (they/them)
Charlie Covell is at the heart of the vision of KAOS as its creator. They are known for their work on series like The End of the F***ing World. Covell has created a rare, daring Greek mythology retelling that mixes age-old themes with modern problems. This includes gender identity and fluidity.
Covell ensures that KAOS reflects the team’s dedication to accurately representing the complex and rich identities of the characters in the story. Their approach is not limited to casting transgender and non-binary actors. It goes way beyond that. Under their leadership, KAOS depicts the characters as multidimensional central figures who contribute to the narrative as much as the main characters do.
KAOS: Misia Butler (he/him)
Misia Butler portrays Caeneus in KAOS. Caeneus is one of Greek mythology’s original transgender characters. In the original myth, Caeneus was a woman who wanted to become a man after suffering an attack. Her wish was granted, and she became Caeneus thereafter.
In KAOS, Caeneus, after his transformation, is abandoned by his Amazonian family, reflecting the real-life struggles of trans individuals seeking acceptance. Butler is a transmasculine actor. He perfectly owns the role and adds authenticity and depth to his portrayal of Caeneus as he depicts his emotional journey.
KAOS brilliantly picks up the complicated narrative of Caeneus with utmost care and nuance. The character’s narrative is inspiring, reflecting real experiences of rejection and resilience. It also brings the historical presence of trans people in ancient mythology into the limelight. Butler’s performance draws us to the character as he heightens the transmasculine experience and shows the need to paint an authentic picture on the screen.
KAOS: Suzy Eddie Izzard (she/her)
Suzy Eddie Izzard plays Lachy or Lachesis. One of the Fates, Lachy reflects the strength of gender fluid representation. Izzard is a genderfluid performer and has long advocated for gender diversity.
The character Lachy in KAOS pays homage to the gender fluidity present in the original myths. The Fates were often shown as ambiguous, appearing in forms that served their roles. They could be either masculine, feminine, or androgynous.
Izzard’s gender fluidity is respectably represented in KAOS by letting the character Lachy be unconfined by gender-rigid categories. This is done to reflect and ensure that both the old myths and Izzard’s true identity are well portrayed.
Western traditions have often restricted the portrayal of the Fates to stereotypical feminine roles. KAOS breaks apart from the shackles of Western traditions as it broadens the horizon to restore the primordial depiction of power and ambiguity. Izzard’s role in KAOS shows how modern media can accurately represent and thus restore gender fluidity by embracing and depicting fluid gender identities.
KAOS: Sam Buttery (she/her)
Another of the Fates, Atropos, is played by Sam Buttery. KAOS has yet again proved its mettle by casting her as a transwoman to include transgender representation. In Greek mythology, Atropos is one of the Fates responsible for cutting the thread of life. The character is portrayed as a serious female figure. In KAOS, the character is reimagined to have a nonbinary identity. It is a complicated, non-binary presentation.
This alteration gives the character a modern twist by emphasizing gender fluidity, making it more relevant and inclusive for today’s audiences. KAOS ensures that underrepresented voices are brought into the spotlight. This retelling not only adds more richness to the narrative but also celebrates diversity.
Buttery’s Atropos brings a fresh layer of depth to the portrayal of the Fates. It shows that mythology has always been open to non-conforming identities.
KAOS: Ché (they/them)
In Greek mythology, Clotho is the youngest of the Fates. The character is typically depicted as a feminine figure responsible for spinning the thread of life. In KAOS, Clotho is represented by Ché, a non-binary actor.
This transition or retelling illuminates the character's fluid nature and depicts how KAOS breaks free from the traditional framework of fixed gender roles. In the series, Clotho is portrayed as moving fluidly between traditionally masculine and feminine presentations.
Ché excellently brings this flexibility to life. In one episode, Clotho presents with a beard and workman’s uniform and later appears in non-binary clothes with the other Fates. This performance re-establishes the original myth’s gender fluidity and also gives the modern audience a clear example of non-binary inclusion.
Through all these roles, KAOS reasserts that non-binary identities are perpetual, unchanged by time. They were present in ancient mythology just as they are today.
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