“We Crashed” is a popular drama series that tells the fascinating and complex story of the rise and fall of WeWork, one of the most ambitious and controversial startups in recent years. Based on the true story of the company’s meteoric rise and its dramatic collapse, the show dives deep into the personalities behind the business, the relationships they formed, and the eventual downfall. The series explores themes of ambition, greed, and the fine line between genius and hubris.
With a strong cast of talented actors, “We Crashed” brings this captivating story to life. From portraying real-life entrepreneurs to offering insight into the high-stakes world of tech startups, the actors’ performances have been key in making this story both compelling and relatable. This article will explore the main stars of the show, focusing on their roles and contributions to the series.
Introduction to “We Crashed”
Before diving into the stars of “We Crashed,” it’s essential to understand the story behind the show. “We Crashed” is based on the podcast “WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork” by Wondery, which chronicles the ambitious journey of the founders of WeWork, Adam and Rebekah Neumann. The series showcases their rise to fame as the co-founders of the coworking space empire and their dramatic downfall, ultimately leading to the company’s failed IPO and significant financial losses.
The series stars Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway in the lead roles, portraying Adam Neumann and Rebekah Neumann, respectively. Both are known for their exceptional acting abilities and their dedication to embodying the complex personalities of the real-life figures they portray.
In addition to Leto and Hathaway, the series features a supporting cast of notable actors who bring depth and dimension to the show. Together, these actors create a gripping portrayal of the rise and fall of one of Silicon Valley’s most notorious companies.
Main Cast of “We Crashed”
Jared Leto as Adam Neumann
Jared Leto plays Adam Neumann, the charismatic and ambitious co-founder of WeWork. Neumann is a larger-than-life figure whose vision for the company was both innovative and controversial. Leto’s portrayal of Neumann captures the energy, drive, and confidence that propelled the company to success, as well as the arrogance and reckless ambition that ultimately led to its downfall.
Leto is no stranger to complex roles, having previously delivered memorable performances in films like “Dallas Buyers Club” (2013), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His transformation into Adam Neumann required not only a physical transformation but also a deep understanding of Neumann’s personality. Leto’s performance in “We Crashed” is one of the highlights of the series, as he captures both the charm and the darker side of the real-life entrepreneur.
Anne Hathaway as Rebekah Neumann
Anne Hathaway stars as Rebekah Neumann, Adam Neumann’s wife and co-founder of WeWork. Rebekah played a key role in shaping the company’s culture and vision, and Hathaway’s portrayal of her adds layers of complexity to the character. Rebekah is portrayed as a strong, ambitious, and deeply passionate woman who, while supporting her husband’s vision, also has her own dreams and ambitions. Hathaway brings depth to the role by showcasing Rebekah’s determination, vulnerability, and emotional complexity.
Hathaway is a seasoned actress known for her versatility in roles ranging from “Les Misérables” (2012) to “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006). Her performance in “We Crashed” is no different, as she brings nuance to a character who is often seen as both a partner to Adam and an individual trying to carve out her own identity.
Kyle Chandler as Bruce Dunlevie
Kyle Chandler plays Bruce Dunlevie, a key figure in the venture capital world and a member of WeWork’s board of directors. Dunlevie’s role in the series is crucial as he represents the financial interests that both supported and ultimately pulled away from the company. Chandler’s portrayal of Dunlevie is calm, collected, and professional, bringing a grounded presence to the often chaotic world of Silicon Valley startups.
Chandler is best known for his roles in “Friday Night Lights” (2006-2011) and “Manchester by the Sea” (2016), where he portrayed characters with moral complexity and emotional depth. His performance in “We Crashed” adds a level of gravitas to the series, as his character is one of the few who challenges the reckless ambition of Adam Neumann.
O-T Fagbenle as Miguel McKelvey
O-T Fagbenle plays Miguel McKelvey, WeWork’s co-founder and one of Adam Neumann’s closest business partners. McKelvey is portrayed as a more grounded and pragmatic figure in the company’s leadership, often serving as a foil to Neumann’s larger-than-life persona. Fagbenle brings a sense of reason and balance to the role, making McKelvey a relatable and sympathetic character.
Fagbenle is an actor known for his role in “The Handmaid’s Tale” (2017-present), where he plays Luke Bankole. His performance in “We Crashed” highlights his ability to embody the character’s internal conflict between his loyalty to Neumann and his growing concerns about the company’s future.
America Ferrera as Elishia Kennedy
America Ferrera plays Elishia Kennedy, a character who represents the more ethical side of the WeWork story. Kennedy is depicted as someone who begins to question the company’s direction and the impact of its leadership. Ferrera’s performance adds a touch of moral clarity to the series, highlighting the tension between ambition and integrity.
Ferrera is an actress with a wide range of roles, from her breakout role in “Ugly Betty” (2006-2010) to her work in films like “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” (2005). In “We Crashed,” Ferrera’s portrayal of Kennedy provides a strong moral compass in a story filled with ambition and moral ambiguity.
Anthony Edwards as Keith Rabois
Anthony Edwards plays Keith Rabois, another venture capitalist involved with WeWork. Rabois is depicted as a tough, no-nonsense figure in the world of tech investments, and Edwards brings a sense of professionalism and ambition to the role. Rabois’s involvement in the WeWork saga is pivotal, as he represents the business interests that pushed the company to grow rapidly, often without regard for the long-term consequences.
Edwards is best known for his role as Dr. Mark Greene in the hit medical drama “ER” (1994-2009), but his career spans across both film and television. His portrayal of Rabois adds a layer of tension to the series, showcasing the pressures that investors place on startups to grow at all costs.
Supporting Cast of “We Crashed”
While the primary stars of “We Crashed” play the most significant roles, the series also features a number of talented supporting actors who help to bring the world of WeWork to life. These actors bring authenticity to the portrayal of Silicon Valley and the various players involved in the company’s rise and fall.
Supportive Roles and Cameos
“We Crashed” includes several cameo appearances and supporting roles, all of which add richness and depth to the story. These actors contribute to creating a complex portrait of a business that seemed too good to fail, but ultimately did. From other venture capitalists to employees and members of WeWork’s board, the supporting cast enhances the show’s realism and emotional impact.
Behind the Scenes: Directors and Producers
While the cast is crucial to the success of “We Crashed,” the series owes much of its direction and success to the work of its directors and producers. The series was created by Lee Eisenberg and Drew Crevello, who both have experience working in the world of drama and biographical storytelling. Their vision, combined with the performances of the talented cast, makes “We Crashed” a powerful and compelling series.
Conclusion
“We Crashed” is a captivating series that brings to life the rise and fall of one of the most talked-about companies in recent history. At the heart of the show are Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway, who give compelling performances as Adam and Rebekah Neumann. Their portrayal of the ambitious couple is both mesmerizing and complex, capturing the duality of their personalities. Alongside them are a talented supporting cast, including Kyle Chandler, O-T Fagbenle, and America Ferrera, who add layers of depth to the story. Together, the cast brings the story of WeWork to life in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The series not only highlights the personal stories of the people involved but also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of success at any cost. “We Crashed” is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of startups, tech culture, and the complex relationships that drive these industries.
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