'Designated Survivor' Season 2 Cast News: Natascha McElhone Exits, Joins Sean Penn on 'The First'

By Rachel Cruz, Christian Post Contributor Friday, September 29, 2017

Natascha McElhone is leaving "Designated Survivor" as soon as possible. The actress is joining Sean Penn in Hulu's "The First," so she's bidding goodbye to Kiefer Sutherland and the rest of the ABC political drama's cast and crew.

McElhone plays Alex Kirkman, the First Lady on "Designated Survivor." It's unclear how her character will be written off the show, which premiered season 2 last Wednesday, Sept. 27 on ABC.

The actress, however, will reportedly fulfill the commitments in her contract before leaving. Then she will work on "The First," which will begin production later in the year for a 2018 premiere.

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"The First" is a sci-fi drama that follows a manned mission to Mars. McElhone's role is believed to be that of a British CEO whose company is behind the mission.

"House of Cards" creator Beau Willimon developed "The First" under Westward Productions. Hulu gave the show a 10-episode series order back in May.

"What I so admire about Natascha's work is the fearlessness and honesty she brings to every role," Willimon stated in the press release to announce her casting. "She's a wonderfully talented adventurer of the spirit, and I'm thrilled to be embarking on this journey with her."

McElhone said that she's looking forward to working with Penn and Willimon. She also wanted to work on "The First" because it's partly a product of her "favorite homegrown" network Channel 4.

Meanwhile, the next episodes of "Designated Survivor" will feature a controversy that happens during the White House Correspondents Dinner in episode 2 and a potential viral outbreak in episode 3. FBI Agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) and M16 Agent Damian Rennett (Ben Lawson) will discover something that will affect President Kirkman (Sutherland) and his family forever.

"Designated Survivor" also stars Paulo Costanzo (Lyor Boone), Adan Canto (Aaron Shore), Italia Ricci (Emily Rhodes), LaMonica Garrett (Mike Ritter), Zoe McLellan (Kendra Daynes) and Kal Penn (Seth Wright). The show airs Wednesday nights at 10:00 EST on ABC.