Prime Video has officially cast Imogen Poots and John Reynolds as the lead characters in Sex Criminals, the streaming adaptation of Image Comics’ acclaimed series. The casting announcement came on May 8, 2026, marking a significant step forward in the long-developing television project. Poots will play Suze, a normal girl with an extraordinary ability, while Reynolds will portray Jon, who shares her unique power.
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Sex Criminals Series and Production Details
The series adaptation was originally announced in January 2026 with an eight-episode order from Prime Video. The project comes from Emmy-winning creative team Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, alongside Tze Chun, who serve as co-creators, showrunners, and executive producers. Nanjiani is also set to appear in the series in an undisclosed role. The adaptation is based on the original comic series created by writer Matt Fraction and illustrator Chip Zdarsky, with both serving as executive producers on the television project.
The official logline for the series states: “Suze is a normal girl with an extraordinary ability: when she has sex, she stops time. One night, she meets Jon…who has the same gift. And so they do what any other sex having, time stopping couple would do: they rob banks.” The premise combines absurdist humor with intimate character exploration, exploring themes of love, desire, shame, fantasy, and anxiety through its high-concept narrative.

Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani expressed enthusiasm about the casting and adaptation, stating: “Sex Criminals is the exact kind of thing Winter Coat aims to bring to life: love stories in weird places. From the moment LuckyChap brought us Matt and Chip’s comic book, we knew we wanted to bring these characters to screen and are so excited to do that alongside Tze Chun and Prime Video.”
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Sex Criminals |
| Platform | Prime Video (exclusive) |
| Episode Order | Eight episodes (first season) |
| Lead Actress | Imogen Poots (as Suze) |
| Lead Actor | John Reynolds (as Jon) |
| Casting Announcement Date | May 8, 2026 |
| Original Announcement | January 2026 |
| Source Material | Sex Criminals comic series (Image Comics) |
| Comic Writer | Matt Fraction |
| Comic Illustrator | Chip Zdarsky |
| Comic Launch Date | September 25, 2013 |
| Comic Run | 31 issues and 1 special (2013-2020) |
| Comic Volumes | Six volumes total |
| Showrunner/Creator | Emily V. Gordon |
| Showrunner/Creator | Kumail Nanjiani (also appearing in series) |
| Showrunner/Creator | Tze Chun |
| Executive Producers | Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani, Tze Chun, Dani Melia |
| Production Companies | LuckyChap, Amazon MGM Studios, Winter Coat Films |
| Genre | Comedy-drama with romantic and crime elements |
Cast and Creative Team Backgrounds
| Role | Actor/Creator | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Suze | Imogen Poots | Films: The Chronology of Water, All of You, Hedda, Green Room, 28 Weeks Later, Need for Speed. TV: Outer Range (Prime Video), I Know This Much Is True, Roadies. Upcoming: Kennedy (as Gloria Swanson), The Salamander Lives Twice (with Matt Smith) |
| Jon | John Reynolds | Films: Seekers of Infinite Love. TV: Stranger Things, Adults, Ghosts, Yellowjackets |
| Co-Creator/Showrunner | Emily V. Gordon | Known for: The Big Sick (with Kumail Nanjiani), Winter Coat Films projects, focus on intimate storytelling |
| Co-Creator/Showrunner | Kumail Nanjiani | Known for: The Big Sick, Eternals, Silicon Valley. Also appearing in Sex Criminals in undisclosed role |
| Co-Creator/Showrunner | Tze Chun | Known for: Gotham (Fox), Once Upon a Time (ABC). Experience with serialized storytelling |
| Comic Writer | Matt Fraction | Creator of acclaimed comic series with nuanced character development |
| Comic Illustrator | Chip Zdarsky | Distinctive visual style that brought characters to life in original comics |
Source Material and Comic Series Legacy
The original Sex Criminals comic series debuted on September 25, 2013, under Image Comics’ independent publishing banner. Created by writer Matt Fraction and illustrator Chip Zdarsky, the series ran for six complete volumes comprising 31 regular issues and one special edition before concluding in 2020. The comic became known for its combination of high-concept science fiction premise with deeply personal character exploration.

While the bank-robbing plot served as the series’ hook and momentum, the comic’s lasting appeal stemmed from its sophisticated exploration of intimacy, desire, shame, fantasy, and anxiety. The series used its absurdist premise to delve into the strange private myths people construct around sexuality and relationships. This balance between humor and emotional depth gives the television adaptation substantial material to explore across its eight-episode first season.
Imogen Poots’ Recent Work and Career Trajectory
Imogen Poots brings considerable film and television experience to the role of Suze. Her recent filmography includes The Chronology of Water, All of You, and Hedda, establishing her presence in independent and prestige cinema. She gained broad recognition through films like 28 Weeks Later and Green Room, demonstrating her versatility across genres. Her television work on Prime Video’s Outer Range alongside Josh Brolin showcases her ability to carry complex dramatic narratives on streaming platforms.

Upcoming projects include Kennedy, where she will portray legendary actress Gloria Swanson, and The Salamander Lives Twice, opposite Matt Smith. These high-profile projects demonstrate continued industry confidence in Poots’ talent and appeal. The actress is represented by WME, Entertainment 360, B-Side, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
John Reynolds’ Rising Profile in Television
John Reynolds brings emerging television experience to the role of Jon. His recent credits include the film Seekers of Infinite Love and recurring guest roles in series including Adults, Yellowjackets, Ghosts, and notably Netflix’s Stranger Things. Reynolds’ appearance in multiple acclaimed series demonstrates his ability to integrate into ensemble casts and complex narratives. The actor is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, and Felker McGinnis & Ryan.

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FAQs
Who plays the leads in Sex Criminals?
Imogen Poots plays Suze, while John Reynolds plays Jon.
Where will Sex Criminals stream?
The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video.
Who created the adaptation?
Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani and Tze Chun are serving as co-creators and showrunners.
What is Sex Criminals about?
Two people who can stop time during sex use their unusual ability to rob banks.
When did the original comic end?
The original Sex Criminals comic concluded in 2020 after 31 issues.





