If you finished the first season of The Terminal List, you probably have a love-hate relationship with Ben Edwards. Taylor Kitsch played him with such a charming, laid-back "beach bum" vibe that the finale's reveal felt like a gut punch. Now, Prime Video is doubling down on that complexity. The Terminal List: Dark Wolf cast is bringing back the faces we know while introducing some heavy hitters to flesh out the backstory Jack Carr fans have been dying to see.
This isn't just a quick cash-grab prequel. It’s set in 2015, about seven years before James Reece goes on his warpath in the original series. We're seeing Ben Edwards' transition from a Tier 1 operator into the morally gray world of the CIA's Ground Branch.
The Big Returns: Kitsch and Pratt
Taylor Kitsch is the heart of this thing. Honestly, it’s his show. He’s reprising his role as Ben Edwards, but this isn't the Ben we saw in the first season. Not yet. In Dark Wolf, he’s still a Chief Special Warfare Operator. We’re watching the "bottoming out" process Kitsch has talked about in recent interviews. He’s described the role as grueling, focusing on what happens to a SEAL when you strip away their team.
And yeah, Chris Pratt is back as James Reece.
You might have heard rumors he’s barely in it, but that’s not quite right. He’s a recurring guest star, appearing most prominently in the first couple of episodes. He’s a Lieutenant here—a younger, perhaps slightly less scarred version of the man who later burns down the deep state. Their brotherhood is the anchor. There's a campfire scene early on that basically sets the tone for the entire franchise's theme of loyalty. It’s a treat for the fans, but the show eventually moves away from Reece to let Ben's CIA origin story breathe.
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New Faces Joining the Fray
The casting for the new characters is where things get really interesting for the book readers.
Tom Hopper as Raife Hastings
This was the most-asked question on Jack Carr’s social media for years: "Who is playing Raife?"
Tom Hopper, who most people recognize from The Umbrella Academy or Black Sails, stepped into the boots of the legendary Raife Hastings. Raife is a massive character in the book universe, a SEAL with deep family ties to the Selous Scouts. Hopper reportedly spent a ton of time mastering a specific Rhodesian accent for the role. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s the guy who stays true to the code when everyone else starts sliding into the gray.
Luke Hemsworth as Jules Landry
The "other" Hemsworth brother is playing Jules Landry. He’s a CIA contractor, but don't expect a hero. Landry is described as a narcissist with an explosive personality. If you’ve read the books, you know this character's arc involves some pretty dark territory. Hemsworth brings a certain brawny, unpredictable energy that fits the "Dark Wolf" title perfectly.
Dar Salim as Mohammed Farooq
Dar Salim, who was absolutely incredible in Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, plays Mohammed "Mo" Farooq. He’s an Iraqi Special Operations officer who trained in the CIA’s Scorpions program. He’s the "cool, calm, and collected" foil to some of the more hot-headed American operators.
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Supporting Players and Spymasters
The rest of the The Terminal List: Dark Wolf cast is rounded out by veterans of the genre. Robert Wisdom (you know him as Bunny Colvin from The Wire) plays Jed Haverford. He’s a seasoned CIA spymaster leading a covert unit in Europe. His character provides the institutional weight—and the potential for betrayal—that this franchise thrives on.
Then there’s Rona-Lee Shimon as Eliza Perash.
She’s a Mossad field operative who acts as a mentor to Tal Varon, played by Shiraz Tzarfati. Including Mossad operators early on expands the scope of the series. It’s no longer just about a small SEAL platoon; it’s about the global intelligence web that eventually ensnares Ben Edwards.
- Jared Shaw as "Boozer": A real-life former Navy SEAL who also serves as a producer and technical advisor. His presence ensures the tactical movements actually look real.
- Robert Wisdom as Jed Haverford: The cynical "old guard" of the CIA.
- Shiraz Tzarfati as Tal Varon: A rebellious Mossad operator eager for field work.
Why This Cast Matters for the Prequel
The production didn't just hire actors; they hired people willing to get their hands dirty. Kitsch has been vocal about how he wanted to "Ben-ify" moments—adding a level of violence and unpredictability that wasn't always on the page. Because Ben isn't as central in the early books, the showrunners had more freedom to experiment.
They also kept the military authenticity high. Having guys like Jared Shaw on set as both actors and technical advisors prevents the "Hollywood" version of special ops from taking over. When you watch the tactical sequences in Dark Wolf, the way they hold their weapons and move through a room isn't just for show. It’s based on actual Tier 1 experience.
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The Timeline and What's Next
The series premiered on Prime Video in late 2025, with the final episodes wrapping up as we head into 2026. If you’re looking for where this fits in the grand scheme:
- 2015: Dark Wolf events (Ben's CIA origin).
- 2022: The Terminal List Season 1 (The conspiracy against Reece).
- 2026: Expected release of The Terminal List Season 2, which will adapt the book True Believer.
Tom Hopper’s Raife Hastings is already confirmed to return for the proper Season 2, which is huge. It means the chemistry we see in the prequel isn't just a one-off. It’s building the foundation for the next stage of James Reece’s war.
The show handles the mental health of its characters with a surprising amount of nuance. Ben’s deteriorating state throughout the season is a direct lead-in to the man we meet in the series premiere of the original show. It makes his eventual "betrayal" feel less like a plot twist and more like a tragic, inevitable conclusion of a man who lost his way long ago.
If you haven't started it yet, pay attention to the dialogue between Ben and Raife. It’s where the real meat of the story is. While Chris Pratt’s Reece is the "star," the soul of this specific chapter belongs to Taylor Kitsch and the world of the CIA’s Ground Branch.
Next Step for You:
Go back and re-watch the final episode of The Terminal List Season 1 before starting Dark Wolf. Knowing exactly where Ben Edwards ends up makes his journey in the prequel much more haunting. After that, keep an eye out for news on the True Believer adaptation, as Tom Hopper is set to play an even bigger role there.