Mark Duplass is stepping into the shadows of Silicon Valley’s elite. The actor has joined Hulu’s upcoming limited series Victoria, a new erotic thriller set in San Francisco, sources confirm. He’ll play William Holbrook, a UC Berkeley professor whose groundbreaking work in gene editing has made him a hot commodity in tech circles — and a man with secrets worth killing for. His character is described as both brilliant and devoted to his students, a mentor with influence that stretches beyond academia. The role adds another layer to Duplass’ growing reputation for playing complex men on the edge of moral ambiguity, think The Morning Show’s troubled executive or the eerie figure in Backrooms. Now he’s diving into a world where power isn’t just financial, but biological, and desire isn’t just personal. It’s dangerous. 

He joins Li Jun Li as Maxine Tao, a con artist who stumbles into venture capital after a single twist of fate. Her grift? A lifetime opportunity. Her risk? Being hunted by someone who knows her past better than she does. Diane Lane plays Lee Calloway, a venture capitalist who doesn’t lose, ever. She’s sharp, ruthless, and built her empire on never letting emotion interfere with strategy. Together, they form a triangle of ambition, deception, and danger. 

The series is created by Christy Hall, known for I Am Not Okay with This and Daddio, and will be directed by Geeta Vasant Patel (Lanterns, Under the Bridge). Onyx Collective and Counterpart Studios are behind the project, with production already underway. Li Jun Li also serves as co-producer. A sign this isn’t just a star vehicle, but a story shaped from within. 

Duplass’ casting comes just hours after Deadline and Variety confirmed the news. No official release date has been announced yet, but early reports suggest filming wrapped in late September. The series is expected to premiere on Hulu in early 2027. That means fans won’t have long to wait before seeing how far a woman can go when she’s caught between two worlds, one of illusion, one of blood. 

And if you’re wondering: yes, it’s going to be messy. And yes, it’s probably going to be good.