Forget the ‘V‘ you think you know. Even if you were a huge fan of the original, you can quote the miniseries script verbatim, and you can identify the specific breed of guinea pig that was famously swallowed up by Diana, there’s been a whole lot of shakin’ (up) going on in ABC’s “re-imagining,” premiering tomorrow night at 8 PM.

Watch full episodes of the original series here

The TV news dude once played by Marc Singer has become significantly more pliable in his ‘visitors = bad!’ stance. There’s now a feisty female Fed who’s vying for the role of #1alien ass-whupper, and – Holy reptile rebuffer, Batman! – she’s got a priest for a sidekick. Even the counterpart to Robert Englund’s lovable self-loathing lizard Willie is unrecognizable in this re-telling.

Watch a clip from tomorrow night’s premiere here

But a few things remain the same. “The whole thing about beauty only being skin-deep is really true here,” Elizabeth Mitchell quipped during a recent visit to the Vancouver set of the drama. And Morena Baccarin promised that the alien leader is still unwavering in going after what she wants. “The survival of her people – at all costs,” is the order of the day, said Baccarin.

So come meet the new players, and get ready to place your bets on who’s coming out on top.

THE BAD-ASS BROAD | ELIZABETH MITCHELL

Elizabeth-Mitchell (ABC)

She plays: Erica Evans
Erica’s Day Job: FBI Agent
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: Anti-alien. It’s that many more butts to investigate – and then kick.
Erica’s Motto (As Provided By Elizabeth Mitchell): “Just keep on going,” muses Mitchell. “That must be it. Or……”try me.”"
Elizabeth Mitchell’s Motto: “My motto is always about grace,” says Mitchell. “Trying to live, and to be, as grateful as possible, and to expect very little.”
What’s In Store For Erica: “Her Achilles heel is her son [Tyler Evans],” Mitchell indicates. “That’s the place where you can wound her – pretty much the only place.” Given that Visitors recruiter Lisa – and Visitor leader Anna – will both be showing Tyler Evans some special attention in the first couple of episodes, it seems plausible that Mama Bear won’t be liking that much.

THE HOLY MAN | JOEL GRETSCH

Joel Gretsch (ABC)

He plays: Father Jack
Father Jack’s Day Job: The Priesthood
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: Undecided, initially. He definitely doesn’t recall any mention of a Mothership or aliens in the Good Book.
Father Jack’s Motto (As Provided by Joel Gretsch): “There’s always someone to help.”
Joel Gretsch’s Motto: “I’m more of a skeptic,” confesses Gretsch. “Who are you? What do you want? He’s more open-hearted. I’m a little more guarded.”
What’s In Store For Father Jack: Gretsch says that despite Jack’s saintly concerns for the spiritual well-being of his people, “He also has his foibles. He’s a man. He’s got all of his issues, and that’s the great yin and yang to Father Jack.” The emphasis he placed on “man” almost suggests that it’s a “woman” thing that might be tripping him up. We know he’ll be working in close proximity with Elizabeth Mitchell’s character down the road while rebelling against the reptiles. Coincidence?

THE YES MAN | SCOTT WOLF

Scott Wolf (ABC)

He plays: Chad Decker
Chad’s Day Job: TV News Anchor
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: Pro-Chad, is more like it. He’s certainly glad to get the career break of a lifetime when Anna takes a shine to him and appoints him spokesman for the away team – even though it means he has to check his journalistic integrity at the door.
Chad’s Motto (As Provided By Scott Wolf): “It’s not whether you win or lose – it’s whether I win or lose.”
What’s In Store For Chad: “I think Chad makes a deal with the devil knowing he’s going to have a chance to turn the tables at some point,” Wolf hints.

THE SUPERNATURAL SIREN | MORENA BACCARIN

Morena Baccarin (ABC)

She plays: Anna
Anna’s Day Job: Leader of the Visitors
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: Pro-V, of course. Who doesn’t love Visitors? They come in peace. Always. You’re gonna have to trust her on this.
Anna’s Motto (As Provided By Morena Baccarin): “The survival of her people – no matter what.”
Morena Baccarin’s Motto: “I’m a little nicer, probably,” laughs Baccarin. “A little more zen, maybe. I think Anna’s more militant than I am.”
What’s In Store For Anna: Baccarin hints at the “triangle” between Lisa and Anna and Tyler. Anna “wants him for something, and it’s important, whatever it is.”

THE GUY WHO COULD WIN ANY BARFIGHT | MORRIS CHESTNUT

Morris Chestnut (ABC)

He plays: Ryan Nichols
Ryan’s Day Job: Businessman with a mysterious past
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: Anti-alien, beeyotch!
Ryan’s Motto (As Provided By Morris Chestnut): “Trust no one.”
Morris Chestnut’s Motto: “That’s Morris’ philosophy as well – trust no one!”
What’s In Store For Ryan: Kung-fu, tae kwon do, karate, and some other stuff.

THE BAIT AND SWITCH BABE | LAURA VANDERVOORT

Laura Vandervoort (ABC)

She plays: Lisa
Lisa’s Day Job: Visitor/Recruiter for the V Peace Ambassador Program
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: See job description, above.
Lisa’s Motto (As Provided By Laura Vandervoort): “Follow orders – and follow them at all costs.”
Laura Vandervoort’s Motto: How does Lisa’s philosophy differ from Laura’s? “It doesn’t!” Vandervoort jokes. But seriously: “I don’t really have a personal philosophy,” says Laura. “I just believe, “Be good to those around you, and they will be good to you.”"
What’s In Store for Lisa: Do Lisa and Anna have the same agenda where Tyler is concerned? “That’s a loaded question,” Vandervoort says. She does offer up that Lisa has devotion – but “to who, I won’t say. Because there are possibilities other than Tyler.”

While we didn’t get a chance to chat with these two cast members, they’re an important part of the ensemble. Meet:

THE TEENAGE REBEL | LOGAN HUFFMAN

Logan Huffman (ABC)

He plays: Tyler Evans
Tyler’s Day Job: Petulant teenager/son of Erica
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: Waaaaaaay Pro-V, man. Have you checked out that hottie Lisa? He’s buyin’ whatever she’s sellin’. Bonus points if it pisses his mom off in the process.
What’s In Store For Tyler: We don’t know, but Anna and Lisa have some big ideas along those lines.

THE ADORING GIRLFRIEND | LOURDES BENEDICTO

Lourdes Benedicto (ABC)

She plays: Valerie Stevens
Valerie’s Day Job: Psychologist
Pro-V or Anti-Alien: It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.
What’s In Store For Valerie: Relationship issues, most likely.  But since when is that news for any lass who loves a rogue?

Watch this space for more in-depth scoop from the cast themselves – coming soon! And wanna revisit the old before diving into the new? Check out original ‘V’ episodes right here on Fancast!

More on These Topics: Top | V