The Dropout: What is the new Disney+ drama about, who stars in it and when does it air?

Virgin Radio

3 Mar 2022, 10:12

If you’re after a gripping true story, rife with obsessive ambition and fame-gone-wrong, then new Disney+ series The Dropout might be for you. 

It stars Amanda Seyfried as fraudster CEO Elizabeth Holmes, and focuses on the real-life tale of Elizabeth’s fall from grace after her ingenious invention testing blood from home ends in disaster.

The new series drops on Disney+ today and here’s all you need to know about the intriguing new series. 

What is The Dropout about?

The Dropout is based on the podcast of the same name, which itself followed the true story of driven and ambitious biotechnology entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes, who came up with the idea for Theranos while at Stanford University. 

Theranos was a way of fast-tracking diagnoses with only a single drop of blood, but the science and technology never matched up, meaning Elizabeth, who was once named by Forbes as the youngest self-made billionaire, lost everything in the blink of an eye. 

Obsessed with making Theranos work, Elizabeth used any means necessary to give her invention legitimacy, even if the science didn’t add up. 

After Theranos was deemed a massive success, potential fraud claims began to surface, and the once ‘self-made billionaire' soon had an estimated net worth of zero. 

The real Elizbeth Holmes is currently awaiting trial after being found guilty of three counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Theranos investors. She could be facing up to 20 years in prison, but is expected to appeal the verdict.

Who stars in The Dropout?

As previously mentioned, Mean Girls actress Amanda Seyfried leads the series, and from the trailer alone, it’s clear she completely transforms into the troubled CEO, who created a new voice and persona to go along with her biotech lies. 

Alongside her is Naveen Andrews, who plays ex-boyfriend and former business partner Sunny Balwani. Sunny encourages her to take the leap despite not having enough knowledge to back up her claims.

William H. Macy plays competing biotech entrepreneur Richard Fuisz, and Laurie Metcalf stars as Phyllis Gardner, the first professor at Stanford University to question Elizabeth’s findings. 

Stephen Fry, Kate Burton and Michel Gill also join the packed-out cast. 

When does it air? 

If this sounds right up your street, you’re in luck!

The first three episodes of The Dropout are available to watch on Disney+ now, and new episodes will stream weekly.