The ensemble cast of the Netflix series “Marco Polo” isn’t quite as expansive as that of “Game of Thrones,” but it’s still got a pretty significant group to contend with heading into Season 2 on July 1. If you need some help remembering who everybody is, this guide should come in handy. Some spoilers for Season 1 will be involved here.
Kublai Khan (Benedict Wong)
At the top of the Mongolian Empire, which at the time of his rule was and still is the largest Empire, in terms of size, in history. Kublai rules from China, where the series takes place, and has just completed the conquest of the city of Xiangyang and shattered the Chinese Song Dynasty.
Marco Polo (Lorenzo Richelmy)
Yes, he’s that Marco Polo. Often referred to by the locals as “the Latin.” Was sold to Kublai Khan by his father Niccolo so they could keep trading in China. Functions as a smart outsider character who thinks of stuff others do not because he’s not used to how they do things.
Kaidu (Rick Yune)
Kublai’s cousin. In the Season 1 finale, Kaidu was sent away by Kublai after demanding to lead the assault on Xiangyang. Kaidu left — and took his men with him. Kaidu will challenge Kublai’s authority in season 2
Prince Jingim (Remy Hii)
Kublai’s son, raised in the Chinese tradition — and so he’s looked down upon by other Mongol leaders. Hopes to change that in season 2.
Hundred Eyes (Tom Wu)
The mysterious blind martial artist who taught Marco how to fight.
Empress Chabi (Joan Chen)
Wife of Kublai, and as the title suggests one of the most powerful people in the Mongol Empire — when she chooses to flex her muscle, anyway.
Mei Lin (Olivia Cheng)
Former consort to the Song Emperor, Mei Lin was sent — by her brother, who took charge of the Song after the Emperor died — to infiltrate the Mongols as a concubine to Kublai Khan in order to spy on them. Having outlived her brother, Mei is now apparently allied with Ahmad, Kublai’s financial advisor, who plans to betray the Khan — but really she’s a wild card. Oh, and she can more than hold her own in a fight against the men.
Ahmad (Mahesh Jadu)
As mentioned in the previous slide, Ahamad is Kublai’s financial advisor, who plans to betray the Khan and rule the Empire — and already has plans in motion to make it happen.
Kokachin (Zhu Zhu)
The Blue Princess is the last of her people, who were conquered by the Mongols. She’s the on-again-off-again love interest of Marco Polo — currently off, as she’s set to marry Prince Jingim in season 2. She’s also not really a princess. The Blue Princess committed suicide when her city was sacked, and this woman is actually a slave girl posing as Kokachin.
Khutulun (Claudia Kim)
Kaidu’s daughter, and a warrior badass. Betrothed to Byamba.
Byamba (Uli Latukefu)
Bastard son of Kublai Khan, and a great fighter. Friends with Marco, lover to Khutulun.
Niccolo Polo (Pierfrancesco Favino)
Marco’s jerk father.
Lotus (Michelle Yeoh)
Yeoh is playing a major new character who has some kind of history with Hundred Eyes.
Nayan (Ron Yuan)
One of Kublai’s relatives, but also a Christian. Torn between two worlds, his loyalty to his people will be tested.
Jia Sidao (Chin Han)
He’s dead now, thanks to Hundred Eyes, so his face probably doesn’t matter. But he’s worth remembering as he was the de facto head of the Song Empire, and the main antagonist of the series, for most of season 1.
