Vagrant Queen’s lead characters are engaging, and the cast imbue them with an affability and energy that makes them easy to invest in emotionally. The cast came together after a broad search, and Elida, in particular, took some time to find.
Garrard knew Adriyan Rae was right for the role because, “she has this perfect balance between that sort of intensity and drama, and could marry that so well with comedy.” Rae was drawn to the role because of how “fleshed out and well-written” Elida is. “I really resonated with her quite easily. It was one of those roles that I empathized with and I was like, ‘Whoa, I actually love this character and I would love to play her.’”
Elida is a capable fighter, who can hold her own against opponents much larger and stronger than she is. Rae, who does her own stunts, trained daily, learning how to properly kick and throw a punch. Though production on the first season has wrapped, Rae continues to work out five days a week, as well as train in martial arts. She says, “I’m not going to be caught slipping this time, so I’ll really be on it for season two, with these kicks and everything.” As the old adage goes, if you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready.
Tim Rozon, who plays Canadian scallywag Isaac, is a Syfy alum who also plays fan-favorite Doc Holiday in Wynonna Earp. His audition for Isaac apparently left Garrard in stitches. “I think it was one of the only ones, I was back watching the tapes just laughing out loud.” The other main characters, Amae and Lazaro, were cast locally, in South Africa, where the show was filmed. Alex McGregor, who plays whip-smart mechanic Amae, “sort of just stepped into the room and just became Amae,” says Garrard, while Paul du Toit, who plays Commander Lazaro, “is just electrifying—he just seems to be that guy.”
Sci-fi is also awash with stories of lone heroes, who adopt a ragtag band of misfits, and go on journeys of self-discovery, subsequently saving a planet or dismantling a corrupt government. Those heroes are overwhelmingly male and white, like Peter Quill or Malcom Reynolds. Both are examples of mediocre white men who lead teams that include at least one badass, super-capable woman—Gamora and Zöe, respectively— who, for all intents and purposes, would make the better leader. Women rarely get to lead in sci-fi, and women of color even less.
