Tahar Rahim as Charles Sobhraj, Jenna Coleman as Marie-Andrée Leclerc, and Billy Howle as Herman Knippenberg lead BBC One’s ‘The Serpent’, a true-crime drama about the investigation of Sobhraj in the 1970s.
Main cast
- Charles SobhrajTahar Rahim1Main
- Marie-Andrée LeclercJenna Coleman1Main
- Herman KnippenbergBilly Howle1Main
Supporting cast
- Angela KnippenbergEllie Bamber1Supp
- Ajay ChowdhuryAmesh Edireweera1Supp
- Dominique RenelleauFabien Frankel1Supp
- NadiaChicha Amatayakul1Supp
- Vitali HakimIlian Bergala1Supp
- HollyAlice Englert1Supp
Guest & voice
- PaulTim McInnerny1Guest
- MathildeRuby Ashbourne Serkis1Guest
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About this cast
‘The Serpent’ is a BBC One true-crime drama that tells the story of Charles Sobhraj, a charismatic con man and serial killer who preyed on Western tourists in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. The series focuses on the efforts of a Dutch diplomat to bring him to justice and the complex relationship between Sobhraj and his girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc.
FAQs
Who plays Charles Sobhraj in The Serpent?
Tahar Rahim plays the role of Charles Sobhraj.
Who plays Marie-Andrée Leclerc?
Jenna Coleman portrays Marie-Andrée Leclerc, Sobhraj’s girlfriend and accomplice.
Is The Serpent a true story?
Yes, the series is based on the true story of serial killer Charles Sobhraj and the investigation by Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg.
Where was The Serpent filmed?
The series was filmed in Thailand and the UK, with additional locations in the Maldives and the Riviera.
How many episodes are in The Serpent?
The first season consists of 8 episodes.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026