Locke and Key: When is it released? Who is in the cast? A beginner’s guide to the epic comic book series

If you've read Locke and Key, you’ll already know why there's one very big reason to be excited about February.

The hugely anticipated and long, long awaited comic book adaptation is going to thrill, chill and blow minds.

Telling the story of the Locke family and their ancestral home, Keyhouse, the series blends magic, fantasy, coming-of-age-drama and horror chills.

When is Locke and Key released?

Locke and Key launches on Netflix on Friday, February 7th.

All 10 episodes will be released at 8am.

If you’re not excited already, check out the official trailer below...

Who is the cast?

Locke and Key begins with a family of three siblings and a mother moving house, following the murder of their dad and husband in mysterious circumatsances.

The Locke family move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, which they discover is full of magical keys that may be connected to their father's death. As the Locke children explore the different keys and their unique powers, a mysterious demon awakens - and will stop at nothing to steal them. 

Darby Stanchfield plays Nina Locke

Darby is best known for playing Abby Whelan in the political drama series Scandal. She also starred as April Green Jericho  and as Helen Bishop in Mad Men.

Connor Jessup plays eldest sibling Tyler Locke

You may recognise Connor from his performances as Ben Mason in the sci-fi series Falling Skies, the anthology seroes American Crime or the films Blackbird and Closet Monster.

Emilia Jones plays middle child Kinsey Locke

The rising star recently appeared in Horrible Histories: The Movie and has also popped up in Doctor Who, Wolf Hall, the film What We Did On Our Holiday. She also starred in the West End production of Shrek: The Musical.

Jackson Robert Scott plays youngest sibling Bode Locke

Young star Jackson is best known for playing Georgie in the recent Stephen King's It adaptations.

He's also appeared in the TV series Criminal Minds and Fear the Walking Dead.

Laysla De Oliveira plays Dodge

The Toronto actress is best known for the Netflix film In the Tall Grass and the movie Guest of Honour.

The cast also includes, Bill Heck, who stars as their late father Rendell Locke.Sherri Saum and Coby Bird play Ellie Whedon and Rufus Whedon. Thomas Mitchell Barnet plays Sam Lesser. And Griffin Gluck plays Gabe.

Why you should be excited?

How many reasons do you need? The series has finally made it to screen thanks to the combined creative efforts of Carlton Cuse, the man who brought you Lost and Bates Motel, and Meredith Averill, who brought you the incredible Netflix phenomenon The Haunting of Hill House.

Whatever genre of TV show you love on Netflix, Locke and Key brings it all together in an overarching magical mystery.

Loved the chilling atmosphere of Haunting of Hill House? Locke and Key is a must. Addicted to the coming-of-age twists and turns of Sabrina and Stranger Things? Don’t miss this show. 

The Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez comic built up a mythology that earned the show a legion of loyal fans, delivering a final issue that earned a perfect 10 score from IGN. The fact that the comics are wrapped up means that Locke and Key has a clear defined end point for the writers - so there shouldn’t be any problems of unanswered questions or storylines that end up going nowhere.

Viewers can just strap themselves in for a series bulging with surprises, taking you into places you’d never believe possible at the beginning of the story.

Locke and Key - Incredible first look

Taking a comic book creation as wild and out-of-this-world as Locke and Key always runs the risk of underwhelming when it has to be realised on the screen.

Netflix has released a short teaser video on how they’ve captured the spirit of the comics and brought to life some of the most outlandish moments - including the jaw-dropping Head Key sequence...

The long journey from comic book to screen

Ever since the Locke & Key comic 'Welcome to Lovecraft' was released in 2008 to critical acclaim, rumours and plans for a TV or movie adaptation have been in the works.

If you want the full in-depth ins-and-outs of the story, The Hollywood Reporter have chartered a history of every failed pilot, switch of cast and swap of writers and directors in the show’s lengthy journey to Netflix.

After 12 years of near misses, the show’s arrival on Netflix feels like the perfect fit. The fact that the comics have been concluded means that the adaptation isn’t going to do a Game of Thrones and veer off into creating its own ending. 

And the whole tone, style and genre-jumping vibe of the series fits perfectly on Netflix, where there is a proven audience for that style of storytelling.

Will there be a Locke and Key season 2?

Although Netflix haven’t officially announced a second season, it would be a massive surprise if Locke and Key didn’t continue in 2021 with a season two and beyond.

Exec producer Carlton Cuse has confirmed in interviews that the team have already got together in a room and have begun writing season two.

The comic's creator Joe Hill has worked closely with the show and Cuse also revealed that they also collaborating closely on how they would bring the series to a close - matching the expectations set by the comic’s acclaimed ending.

Watch this if you liked....

The Haunting of Hill House, Stranger Things, Bates Motel, American Horror Story, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Chambers.