Get Ready: Simu Liu & Melissa Barrera Star in Peacock's 'The Copenhagen Test'

Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera are diving headfirst into a high-stakes world of brain hacks and betrayal in Peacock's thrilling new espionage series, The Copenhagen Test!

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the New Spy Thriller's Release

• Peacock's highly anticipated espionage thriller, The Copenhagen Test, is set to premiere on December 27, 2025.
• Simu Liu stars as Alexander Hale, a brilliant intelligence analyst whose brain gets hacked, turning him into an unwilling, walking data leak.
• Melissa Barrera co-stars as the mysterious Michelle, and the series boasts an impressive creative team, including executive producer James Wan.

Get Ready for a Brain-Bending Espionage Thriller on Peacock This December

Alright, fellow movie and TV fanatics, brace yourselves for some seriously cool news! Peacock is about to drop a brand-new, near-future spy thriller that sounds like it was ripped straight from our most paranoid tech nightmares. We’re talking about The Copenhagen Test, and it’s bringing together two fantastic stars: Simu Liu (yes, our favorite Shang-Chi and Barbie Ken!) and the incredible Melissa Barrera (known for her work in Scream and In the Heights).

Mark your calendars, because this mind-bending series is slated to hit your screens on December 27, 2025. If you're into high-octane action, psychological suspense, and plots that make you question everything, then this one's definitely for your watchlist. The buzz around this show has been building, especially since its teaser trailer and first-look images dropped, giving us a tantalizing peek into a world where your thoughts aren't even your own.

Unraveling the Gripping Premise of This Future Spy Saga About Identity

So, what exactly is The Copenhagen Test all about? Imagine this: you're a top-tier intelligence analyst, a first-generation Chinese-American named Alexander Hale (played by Simu Liu). You’re sharp, you’re dedicated, and then suddenly, you realize your brain has been compromised. We're not talking about a bad Wi-Fi connection here; we're talking about a full-on hack that gives unknown perpetrators access to literally everything you see and hear, 24/7. Yikes!

This puts Alexander in an impossible bind. He’s caught smack-dab between his shadowy intelligence agency, who might suspect him of being a mole, and the mysterious hackers who are now effectively puppeteering him. His mission, should he choose to accept it (and he kinda has to, or he's dead), is to maintain a perfect performance at all times. He has to act completely normal while secretly trying to flush out who's behind this invasion of his mind and prove his true allegiance. It’s a literal fight for his life, his sanity, and his country, all while not knowing who he can trust, not even himself.

Meet the Talented Ensemble Cast Bringing This Intrigue to Life on Screen

Beyond the undeniable chemistry of Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera, The Copenhagen Test features a fantastic supporting cast that promises to add layers of depth and suspicion to this thrilling narrative. Here’s a quick rundown of who you’ll be seeing:

• Simu Liu as Alexander Hale: Our protagonist, the brilliant first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst whose brain is hacked, forcing him into an intricate game of survival and deception.
• Melissa Barrera as Michelle: A deceptive and mysterious character who, from the trailer, appears to be both an ally and a potential adversary. She’s definitely going to keep Alexander—and us—guessing, potentially sharing both steamy kisses and intense fights.
• Sinclair Daniel as Parker: An intelligence officer who finds herself unexpectedly swept into this dangerous new world, having to quickly adapt to its shifting allegiances and threats.
• Brian D’Arcy James as John Moira: A boss and mentor figure to Alexander, described as someone not afraid to make tough decisions. But in a world of hacks and double-crosses, can even a mentor be trusted?
• Mark O’Brien as Cobb: An ambitious intelligence agent whose motives might be as complex as the central mystery itself.
• Kathleen Chalfant as St. George: A quiet leader with a focus on the long game, suggesting she holds significant power and influence, perhaps knowing more than she lets on.

This cast lineup looks solid, ensuring that every interaction is ripe with potential tension and hidden agendas.

"I don't know who I can trust anymore."

— Alexander Hale (Simu Liu) in The Copenhagen Test trailer

The Visionary Creative Team Fueling This High-Stakes Project's Development

A show this intricate needs a powerhouse team behind it, and The Copenhagen Test certainly has one. The series comes from the brilliant mind of Thomas Brandon, who not only created the show but also serves as a writer, co-showrunner, and executive producer. He's joined by co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer Jennifer Yale, known for her work on shows like See and Outlander.

Adding another layer of excitement (and perhaps a hint of psychological terror!) is the involvement of James Wan as an executive producer. Wan, a name synonymous with genre-defining horror franchises like The Conjuring and M3GAN, is lending his expertise through his Atomic Monster banner, alongside executive producers Michael Clear and Rob Hackett. Given Wan's track record for high-stakes, suspenseful storytelling, we can expect some truly intense sequences and a relentless pace. Simu Liu himself is also an executive producer, a testament to his commitment to the project, with Mark Winemaker and Jet Wilkinson also serving as executive producers, and Wilkinson directing the first two episodes.

The series is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, ensuring a strong studio backing for this ambitious endeavor.

Diving into the Teaser Trailer: Explosions, Kisses, and Deep Mistrust Revealed

If you haven't caught the teaser trailer for The Copenhagen Test yet, you're missing out on a quick, impactful dose of what's to come! The brief but intense footage debuted during Simu Liu's panel at New York Comic Con, and it gave us a solid taste of the espionage thrills. We see Alexander Hale declaring, with palpable conviction, "I would never knowingly betray my own country." However, the stakes are immediately made clear with a chilling warning: "If it's suspected that you're compromised, you're dead."

The trailer is packed with glimpses of fiery explosions, intense fight sequences involving both Liu and Barrera, and even a steamy kiss between their characters. This hints at a complex relationship for Michelle, who could be a vital ally or a dangerous liability, perfectly encapsulating Alexander's ultimate dilemma: "I don't know who I can trust anymore." It paints a picture of constant danger, moral ambiguity, and the crushing pressure of having to maintain a perfect façade when your every thought and perception is being monitored by unseen enemies. This isn't just a spy game; it's a battle for self-control.

Why 'The Copenhagen Test' is the Must-Watch Thriller You've Been Waiting For All Year

So, why should this series be on your radar? First off, the concept itself feels incredibly timely. With real-world tech advancements like Neuralink, the idea of a "hacked brain" resonates deeply, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in a chillingly plausible near-future setting. This isn't just sci-fi; it's sci-fi that hits a little too close to home.

Then there's the star power. Simu Liu continues to prove his versatility, moving from superhero blockbusters to comedic hits and now to intense thrillers. His portrayal of Alexander Hale promises a nuanced performance of a man under unimaginable pressure. Melissa Barrera, fresh off her roles in Scream and Abigail, brings a compelling intensity, and her character Michelle's ambiguous nature is sure to be a highlight. The creative team, led by Thomas Brandon and featuring James Wan's executive producing prowess, suggests a polished, suspenseful, and expertly crafted show.

Peacock has been hitting it big with acclaimed series recently, and The Copenhagen Test seems perfectly poised to join their ranks. If you're looking for a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning every character's motives, and pondering the future of technology and espionage, then make sure you tune in this December. Get ready for an adrenaline rush!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peacock's New Espionage Thriller When does The Copenhagen Test premiere on Peacock? The series is scheduled to premiere on Peacock on December 27, 2025. Where can I watch The Copenhagen Test? The Copenhagen Test will be exclusively available for streaming on Peacock. What is the main plot of The Copenhagen Test? The series follows Alexander Hale (Simu Liu), a Chinese-American intelligence analyst whose brain is hacked, giving perpetrators access to his every sight and sound. He must pretend everything is normal while trying to uncover the hackers and prove his loyalty. Who are the main stars in The Copenhagen Test? The show stars Simu Liu as Alexander Hale and Melissa Barrera as Michelle. The cast also includes Sinclair Daniel, Brian D’Arcy James, Mark O’Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant. Sources

• Deadline Hollywood
• The Hollywood Reporter
• Flickering Myth
• Screen Rant
• A.V. Club
• MovieWeb
• CBR
• NBC Insider
• Peacock (official announcements referenced in articles)