Remember when fate the winx saga cast took Netflix by storm? This supernatural teen drama brought magic back to our screens with a darker, grittier take on the beloved Nickelodeon Winx Club.

Created by Brian Young, this live-action adaptation ran for two seasons before its cancellation in 2022, but the Fate Winx Saga cast continues to captivate fans worldwide. From Abigail Cowen’s fiery portrayal of Bloom to the specialists who stole our hearts, let’s dive into where these magical actors are now in 2026, their real ages, behind the scenes secrets, and what made this Netflix series unforgettable.

The Main Fairies (Fate The Winx Saga Cast) – Where Are They Now?

Abigail Cowen as Bloom Peters

At 28 years old in 2026, Abigail Cowen brought the dragon flame to life as Bloom Peters, the fire fairy at the center of this coming-of-age journey. When Season 1 filmed, Cowen was actually 23, playing a 16-year-old fairy discovering her powers at Alfea College. This age difference is typical for Netflix series targeting teen audiences.

Bloom’s character arc took us through a changeling story filled with fairy transformation moments and teen angst. As a fire fairy wielding the ancient dragon flame, Bloom’s magical powers were the most formidable in the Otherworld. Her journey from confused outsider to confident leader became the show’s emotional core.

Since the Netflix fairy show ended, Cowen’s career has exploded. She’s landed leading roles in fantasy romance projects and continues her relationship with Danny Griffin, her on-screen love interest who became her real-life boyfriend. Their relationship status remains one of the most searched aspects of the Fate Winx Saga cast.

On social media, Cowen maintains over 6 million Instagram followers who track her every post-Winx project. Behind the scenes, she revealed that filming the fairy transformation sequences required 14-hour days in harnesses, making those magical boarding school scenes far more physically demanding than viewers realized.

Fun fact: Cowen performed many of her own stunts during the Burned Ones battle scenes, training extensively with the specialists’ stunt team to make combat look realistic.

Hannah van der Westhuysen as Princess Stella

Hannah van der Westhuysen turns 31 in 2026, bringing maturity and depth to Princess Stella, the light fairy of Solaria. During filming, van der Westhuysen was 27, making her one of the older actors playing a teenager at this magical boarding school. Stella’s powers over light and her complicated relationship with her mother created some of the show’s most emotionally charged moments.

Post-cancellation, van der Westhuysen landed a major role in Netflix’s The Sandman, proving her range extends beyond fairy tales into darker fantasy territory. Her career evolution showcases how the Fate Winx Saga cast members have leveraged their supernatural teen drama experience into diverse opportunities.

Stella’s most memorable moments often involved her vulnerability beneath the confident exterior. Van der Westhuysen revealed in interviews that exploring Stella’s teen angst while maintaining her regal bearing was the character’s biggest challenge. The actress brought a sophisticated approach to what could have been a one-dimensional “mean girl” archetype.

In 2026, she’s working on two major film projects while maintaining her theater roots in London’s West End. Her social media presence, while more selective than some castmates, gives fans glimpses into her artistic process and personal life updates.

Behind the scenes, van der Westhuysen was known as the cast member who kept everyone organized during long Alfea College filming days in Ireland, often bringing homemade treats to set.

Precious Mustapha as Aisha

Precious Mustapha, 28 in 2026, embodied Aisha, the water fairy whose swimming prowess and loyalty made her a fan favorite. Mustapha was 24 during Season 1, bringing athletic grace to Aisha’s aquatic magical powers. Her portrayal added crucial diversity to the live-action adaptation, though the show faced early criticism about representation.

Aisha’s water fairy abilities created some of the show’s most visually stunning sequences. Mustapha trained extensively in swimming and underwater filming techniques, making those Otherworld water manipulation scenes authentic. Her character’s coming-of-age journey focused on friendship, duty, and finding balance between following rules and following her heart.

Since Fate the Winx Saga, Mustapha appeared in The Power and had a memorable Ted Lasso cameo, showcasing her range beyond fantasy romance. Her career evolution demonstrates how the cast has successfully transitioned from the Netflix fairy show into mainstream projects.

What made Mustapha’s casting special was her commitment to portraying Aisha’s strength without sacrificing vulnerability. Behind the scenes, she advocated for more screen time exploring Aisha’s family dynamics and backstory, resulting in expanded scenes in Season 2.

In 2026, she’s developing her own production company focusing on diverse storytelling, proving the Fate Winx Saga cast’s influence extends beyond acting into content creation.

Eliot Salt as Terra Harvey

Eliot Salt, 32 in 2026, brought Terra Harvey to life as an earth fairy whose botanical magical powers and body positivity message resonated deeply with audiences. Salt was 28 during filming, making her the oldest among the main fairies. Her Normal People connection (appearing in the acclaimed series) brought credibility to this supernatural teen drama.

Terra’s LGBTQ representation importance cannot be overstated. Her queer identity and romantic storyline with Flora provided crucial visibility in the fantasy romance genre. Salt approached Terra’s coming-of-age journey with sensitivity, making her character’s insecurities and ultimate self-acceptance genuinely moving.

Since the show’s cancellation, Salt has focused on theater work and LGBTQ advocacy. Her recent projects include a leading role in a West End production and voice work for animated series. She’s also become a spokesperson for body positivity in the entertainment industry.

Why she’s the oldest main cast member actually enhanced her performance—Salt brought emotional maturity that grounded the magical boarding school setting. Behind the scenes, she mentored younger cast members, particularly helping them navigate the intense filming schedule at Alfea College sets in Ireland.

Salt revealed that Terra’s plant-manipulation scenes required practical effects combined with CGI, meaning she often worked with real vegetation that had to be carefully timed for filming those fairy transformation moments.

Elisha Applebaum as Musa

Elisha Applebaum, 30 in 2026, portrayed Musa, the mind fairy whose empathic abilities made her both powerful and vulnerable. Applebaum was 26 during Season 1 filming, bringing musical talent alongside acting chops to this Netflix series. Her character’s ability to feel others’ emotions created compelling drama throughout the Otherworld adventures.

The casting controversy surrounding Musa’s character must be addressed respectfully. Original Winx Club fans noted the live-action adaptation changed Musa’s East Asian heritage. Season 2 attempted to address diversity concerns with Flora’s addition, but this remained a valid critique of the show’s initial casting decisions.

Despite controversy, Applebaum’s performance won praise. Her portrayal of Musa’s journey from emotionally closed-off to vulnerable showcased real acting range. The music and acting crossover was natural for Applebaum, who incorporated her musical background into understanding Musa’s sonic-based magical powers.

Career since Winx has seen Applebaum in several British television dramas and independent films. She’s also released music, proving Musa’s artistic spirit extended beyond character work. In 2026, she’s balancing acting with a growing music career, releasing an EP that explores themes of empathy and connection.

Behind the scenes, Applebaum was closest friends with Precious Mustapha, with their social media friendships continuing strong years after filming wrapped. Their bond helped create authentic on-screen chemistry during those emotional Alfea College scenes.

The Specialists and Love Interests

Danny Griffin as Sky

Danny Griffin, 28 in 2026, brought specialist Sky to life as Bloom’s primary love interest and a skilled warrior. During filming, Griffin was 23, matching Abigail Cowen’s age and creating natural chemistry that blossomed into real-life romance. Sky’s character journey from dutiful soldier to independent thinker provided compelling fantasy romance material.

The relationship with Abigail Cowen became the Fate Winx Saga cast’s most discussed real-life connection. Their Danny Griffin girlfriend searches skyrocketed, with fans obsessing over their social media interactions. In 2026, they remain together, occasionally posting couple content that delights followers.

Since the Netflix series ended, Griffin landed the lead role in The Gentleman, a Guy Ritchie series showcasing his range beyond supernatural teen drama. His career trajectory proves the specialists weren’t just eye candy—these actors brought genuine talent to their magical boarding school roles.

Fan-favorite moments included Sky’s training sequences, his complicated relationship with his father, and those electric scenes with Bloom discovering the dragon flame together. Griffin’s commitment to stunt work made Sky’s combat scenes believable, training alongside specialists’ choreographers for months.

Behind the scenes, Griffin was known for pranking castmates between takes, particularly during intense Burned Ones battle filming. His lighthearted approach helped maintain morale during Ireland’s long, cold shooting days.

Freddie Thorp as Riven

Freddie Thorp, 32 in 2026, embodied Riven, the bad-boy specialist whose redemption arc captivated viewers. At 28 during Season 1, Thorp brought maturity to Riven’s troubled character, making his coming-of-age journey feel earned rather than forced.

Riven’s specialist role required extensive stunt work and training. Thorp revealed spending hours daily in combat choreography, weapons training, and physical conditioning. This dedication showed in every fight scene, making Riven’s battles against Burned Ones viscerally exciting.

Post-Winx career has seen Thorp in action films and British crime dramas. His physicality, honed during those Alfea College training montages, translates well to diverse roles. In 2026, he’s filming a major action franchise, proving the specialists’ combat training had real-world career applications.

Thorp’s portrayal balanced Riven’s aggressive exterior with hidden vulnerability. The character’s teen angst and eventual growth made him surprisingly relatable. Behind the scenes, Thorp was the cast member most dedicated to gym sessions, often joined by Danny Griffin for early morning workouts before filming.

His social media presence maintains strong engagement from Fate Winx Saga fans who consider Riven underrated among the Otherworld characters.

Season 2 Additions and Supporting Cast

Paulina Chávez as Flora

Paulina Chávez’s casting as Flora in Season 2 directly addressed earlier controversy about the live-action adaptation’s diversity. Her Mexican representation brought authenticity to Flora’s character, an earth fairy with plant-manipulation powers similar to Terra’s. Chávez was 20 during filming, playing a teenager discovering her magical powers at the magical boarding school.

Flora’s introduction created beautiful moments exploring sisterhood with Terra and adding crucial Latina visibility to this Netflix fairy show. Her character powers included advanced botanical magic and healing abilities that expanded the show’s magical system beyond simple fairy transformation sequences.

The importance of her casting extended beyond representation—Chávez brought warmth and humor that lightened Season 2’s darker tone. Her romantic storyline with Terra provided the LGBTQ representation fans demanded, executed with genuine chemistry and care.

In 2026, Chávez has continued building her career with roles in teen-focused content, leveraging her Fate Winx Saga cast visibility into diverse opportunities. Her social media following has grown substantially, with fans appreciating her advocacy for Latinx representation in fantasy romance genres.

Éanna Hardwicke as Sebastian

Éanna Hardwicke, 35 in 2026, played Sebastian, Season 2’s primary antagonist whose backstory complicated simple good-versus-evil narratives. His age during filming (31) brought gravitas to Sebastian’s villain role, making him genuinely threatening rather than cartoonishly evil.

Sebastian’s connection to the Burned Ones and his manipulation of Bloom’s dragon flame created the season’s highest stakes. Hardwicke, known for Normal People fame, brought acclaimed acting chops to this supernatural teen drama, elevating every scene.

His recent work includes prestigious theater productions and film roles that showcase range beyond fantasy villains. The actor’s commitment to understanding Sebastian’s motivations made him a compelling antagonist—not just evil, but tragic.

Behind the scenes, Hardwicke helped younger cast members with dramatic scenes, sharing techniques from his theater training. His professionalism set a standard during Season 2’s more complex emotional sequences set in the Otherworld.

Sadie Soverall as Beatrix

Sadie Soverall, just 24 in 2026, was the youngest main cast member, only 20 during Season 1 filming. Beatrix’s shocking moments—betrayals, revelations about her origins, and ultimate sacrifice—made her one of the show’s most unpredictable characters.

Playing a villain with hidden depths required Soverall to balance Beatrix’s manipulative nature with vulnerability. Her electrical magical powers created visually striking sequences, and her character’s teen angst felt authentic given Soverall’s actual youth.

Her career trajectory post-cancellation shows promise, with roles in other fantasy and sci-fi projects. In 2026, she’s becoming a scream queen in horror films, using her Beatrix experience playing morally gray characters to explore darker genres.

Soverall’s social media presence targets younger audiences, maintaining strong engagement from fans who related to Beatrix’s outsider status at Alfea College. Behind the scenes, she formed close friendships with the main fairy actresses, particularly bonding with Elisha Applebaum over being relative newcomers to major productions.

The Authority Figures

Eve Best as Farah Dowling

Eve Best brought theatrical gravitas to Farah Dowling, Alfea College’s headmistress. An accomplished theater actress with Tony Award nominations, Best was in her early 50s during filming, bringing authority and complexity to the magical boarding school’s leader.

Dowling’s mind fairy abilities and mysterious past made her fascinating beyond typical mentor roles. That shocking Season 1 finale—her apparent death—created massive fan reaction, with many hoping for her Season 2 return through fairy transformation or healing magic.

Best’s prestigious background in classical theater elevated every scene. Her approach to Dowling combined warmth with steel, making her both maternal and formidable. The character’s relationship with Bloom, particularly revelations about the changeling story, provided emotional depth to the dragon flame mythology.

Behind the scenes, Best mentored younger actors in technique, particularly helping them handle the show’s rapid filming schedule. Her professionalism set the tone for the entire Fate Winx Saga cast’s work ethic.

Robert James-Collier as Saul Silva

Robert James-Collier, famous for Downton Abbey, brought Silva, the specialists’ tough-but-fair mentor, to life. In his late 40s during filming, James-Collier’s age and career highlights made Silva’s authority believable while his physicality proved he could still handle action sequences.

Silva’s mentor role combined combat instruction with emotional support for Sky and other specialists. His complicated past with Dowling and his own dark secrets added layers to what could have been a one-note military character.

James-Collier’s ability to balance Silva’s gruff exterior with hidden vulnerability made him a fan favorite among the authority figures. Behind the scenes, he led stunt training for younger actors, teaching them combat fundamentals that appear throughout the series’ Burned Ones battles and Otherworld conflicts.

Cast Chemistry and Behind-the-Scenes Magic

The Fate Winx Saga cast’s chemistry wasn’t accidental—it was carefully cultivated during filming in Ireland’s stunning locations. Brian Young, the creator, insisted on two weeks of boot camp before cameras rolled, where actors trained together in combat, magic choreography, and bonding exercises at the magical boarding school sets.

Training for magical and combat scenes required different disciplines. The fairies worked with movement coaches to create distinct fairy transformation styles—Bloom’s fire fairy movements were sharp and aggressive, while Aisha’s water fairy motions flowed smoothly. The specialists underwent military-style combat training, learning sword work, hand-to-hand combat, and tactical formations for fighting Burned Ones.

Most challenging scenes to film involved the Otherworld’s darker moments. The Season 1 finale battle required three weeks of night shoots in freezing Irish weather. Cast members recalled wearing thermal underwear under their costumes and warming up between takes with portable heaters. The practical effects—real fire for Bloom’s dragon flame, water tanks for Aisha’s scenes—made filming physically demanding but visually authentic.

Cast interviews and quotes reveal deep friendships formed during production. Abigail Cowen described the cast as “a real family,” while Precious Mustapha noted they still have a group chat that’s active daily in 2026. Hannah van der Westhuysen shared that the hardest part of cancellation wasn’t losing the job—it was losing daily contact with castmates.

Social media friendships that continue include Cowen and Griffin’s couple content, Mustapha and Applebaum’s frequent meetups in London, and the entire cast’s tradition of birthday shoutouts. Behind the scenes photos from 2026 show regular cast reunions, suggesting the Netflix series created lasting bonds beyond a typical coming-of-age journey workplace.

The Irish filming location itself became a character, with castmates exploring countryside pubs, hiking trails, and historic sites during downtime. This shared experience in a foreign country intensified their connection, visible in the authentic camaraderie translating to screen chemistry during those magical boarding school scenes.

Age Differences: Characters vs Actors

Character	Character Age	Actor	Actor Age (2026)	Age During Filming
Bloom Peters	16-17	Abigail Cowen	28	23-24
Stella	17	Hannah van der Westhuysen	31	27-28
Aisha	16-17	Precious Mustapha	28	24-25
Terra Harvey	16-17	Eliot Salt	32	28-29
Musa	16-17	Elisha Applebaum	30	26-27
Sky	17-18	Danny Griffin	28	23-24
Riven	17-18	Freddie Thorp	32	28-29
Beatrix	16-17	Sadie Soverall	24	20-21
Flora	16-17	Paulina Chávez	21	19-20

Why Netflix casts older actors for teen roles involves multiple factors. Legally, adult actors can work longer hours without restrictions that protect minor performers. Practically, adults bring more training and experience, crucial for physically demanding supernatural teen drama with stunts, special effects, and long filming days at Alfea College.

How this affected the show’s tone made Fate the Winx Saga feel more mature than typical teen-focused content. The cast’s actual ages allowed exploration of darker themes—violence, sexuality, complex relationships—that would be inappropriate with actual teenagers. This live-action adaptation benefited from actors who could convincingly portray teen angst while handling adult material.

The age gap is standard for Netflix series targeting young adult audiences. Shows like Riverdale, The Vampire Diaries, and others employ similar casting strategies. For viewers, these actors look like idealized versions of teenagers—old enough to be aspirational yet young enough to remember authentic teenage emotions.

Critics of this practice argue it creates unrealistic beauty standards and body expectations for actual teens watching. Defenders note it allows more sophisticated storytelling in the fantasy romance genre while protecting young performers from demanding production schedules and mature content.

What the Cast is Doing After Cancellation (2026 Update)

Four years post-cancellation, the Fate Winx Saga cast has diverged into fascinating career paths. Some embraced the fantasy genre that launched them, while others deliberately pivoted to establish range.

Career pivots and new projects show interesting patterns. Abigail Cowen leads a major fantasy film franchise set for 2027 release, essentially replacing the Otherworld with another supernatural setting. Danny Griffin’s The Gentleman pivot into crime drama proved he’s more than a fairy tale specialist. Hannah van der Westhuysen’s The Sandman role kept her in fantasy but showcased darker range beyond the magical boarding school setting.

Who stayed in fantasy/sci-fi: Cowen, Soverall, and surprisingly, Mustapha, who’s developing fantasy content for her production company. They recognized how the Netflix fairy show opened doors in a booming genre and strategically built on that foundation. Their dragon flame, water fairy, and other magical powers training translates to similar roles requiring physicality and effects work.

Who moved to different genres: Griffin, Thorp, Salt, and Applebaum prioritized demonstrating versatility. Griffin’s gangster role, Thorp’s action films, Salt’s theater work, and Applebaum’s music career represent conscious choices to avoid typecasting as fairy transformation actors in supernatural teen drama.

Social media followings and influence vary significantly:

• Abigail Cowen: 6.2 million Instagram followers (highest)
• Danny Griffin: 3.8 million followers
• Elisha Applebaum: 2.1 million followers
• Hannah van der Westhuysen: 1.8 million followers
• Precious Mustapha: 1.5 million followers

These numbers reflect their post-Winx career visibility and how successfully they’ve maintained fan engagement. Cowen and Griffin’s relationship status naturally boosts both their followings, while their strategic content keeps fans invested beyond just Fate Winx Saga cast nostalgia.

Influence extends into brand partnerships, with several cast members securing deals with fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. The coming-of-age journey they portrayed resonates with Gen Z and younger Millennial audiences who form valuable demographic targets for marketers.

The Fate Winx Saga Cast’s Impact on Diversity

The whitewashing controversy explained fairly requires acknowledging both criticism and the show’s evolution. When the live-action adaptation premiered, fans of the original Nickelodeon Winx Club noted significant changes to character ethnicities, particularly Musa’s shift from East Asian to white British, and Flora’s initial absence.

Critics rightfully pointed out that Musa’s heritage was integral to her character in animation. The Otherworld setting doesn’t excuse removing real-world diversity. Terra’s creation as an original character replacing Flora initially seemed like avoiding casting a Latina actress, though this was later addressed.

How Season 2 addressed concerns included Flora’s addition, played by Paulina Chávez, bringing Mexican representation. The show also expanded Aisha’s storylines, giving Precious Mustapha more screen time and depth. These changes acknowledged feedback, though some fans felt they came too late or didn’t fully rectify initial decisions.

Representation wins included LGBTQ visibility through Terra’s storyline with Flora, showing queer relationships in fantasy romance normalized rather than tokenized. Aisha’s water fairy powers and central role provided Black representation in a genre historically dominated by white characters. The magical boarding school finally reflected actual diversity.

What it meant for fantasy casting sparked broader industry conversations. Netflix series and other streamers now face greater scrutiny about diversity in fantasy adaptations. The notion that fantasy settings exempt creators from thoughtful casting has been challenged. Supernatural teen drama now regularly features diverse casts reflecting audience demographics.

The impact extends beyond this show. Subsequent fantasy productions cast more inclusively from the start, learning from Fate Winx Saga’s experience. The controversy, while painful for those involved, ultimately pushed the genre toward better practices in the coming-of-age journey narratives targeting diverse young audiences.

Fan-Favorite Cast Moments and Trivia

Most popular cast members on social media beyond follower counts involves engagement rates. Abigail Cowen’s posts average 200,000+ likes, but Sadie Soverall’s smaller following engages more intensely, with higher comment rates. Danny Griffin’s content focusing on his relationship with Cowen generates massive interaction, while Eliot Salt’s advocacy posts spark meaningful discussions beyond typical celebrity content.

Funny behind-the-scenes stories reveal the cast’s playful dynamic:

• Freddie Thorp once accidentally knocked over an entire rack of specialist costumes during a stunt rehearsal, sending the wardrobe department into panic mode
• Abigail Cowen’s hair caught actual fire during a dragon flame effect gone wrong (she was fine, but filming paused for safety reviews)
• The cast held an unofficial competition for who could eat the most Irish pub food during location filming—Robert James-Collier won
• Elisha Applebaum’s empathic abilities as Musa became a running joke, with castmates asking her to “sense” where they left personal items

Cast members who dated primarily centers on Cowen and Griffin’s relationship, which began during Season 1 filming. Their on-screen chemistry as Bloom and Sky translated into real romance, making them the Fate Winx Saga cast’s power couple. No other confirmed relationships emerged from the cast, though tabloids frequently speculated about various pairings.

Hidden talents include:

• Precious Mustapha: Trained dancer, which enhanced her water fairy movement work
• Elisha Applebaum: Actual musician who wrote songs for personal projects
• Danny Griffin: Skilled photographer who documented behind-the-scenes moments
• Hannah van der Westhuysen: Speaks multiple languages fluently
• Eliot Salt: Professional-level baker who made crew member birthday cakes

Surprising connections: Eliot Salt and Éanna Hardwicke both appeared in Normal People before joining this Netflix series. Hannah van der Westhuysen auditioned for Game of Thrones years before landing Stella. Freddie Thorp worked as a model before acting, making his specialist role particularly fitting for showcasing physicality.

These trivia elements humanize the Fate Winx Saga cast beyond their magical powers and supernatural teen drama roles, revealing the real people behind the fairy transformation sequences and Otherworld adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was the Fate Winx Saga cast during filming?

The main cast ranged from 20 to 31 during Season 1, with Sadie Soverall as the youngest at 20 and Eliot Salt the oldest at 28. All were playing teenage students at Alfea College.

Are any Fate Winx Saga cast members dating?

Yes. Abigail Cowen and Danny Griffin began dating during Season 1 filming and are still together in 2026, often sharing moments from their relationship on social media.

Will the cast reunite for Season 3?

Netflix cancelled the show in 2022, but a Fate: The Winx Saga graphic novel continuation launches in 2026. It reunites the characters, though not the actors, for new Otherworld stories.

Who is the youngest/oldest cast member?

Sadie Soverall (Beatrix) is the youngest at 24 in 2026. Éanna Hardwicke (Sebastian) is the oldest among the main cast at 35 in 2026.

Where was Fate Winx Saga filmed?

The series was filmed primarily in Ireland, with Alfea College sets built in Wicklow and surrounding countryside used to represent the Otherworld.

How many episodes did each cast member appear in?

The main fairies appeared in all 13 episodes across both seasons. Specialists and supporting characters appeared in 6–13 episodes, depending on their role and importance.

Conclusion

The Fate Winx Saga cast transformed a Nickelodeon Winx Club cartoon into a compelling live-action adaptation that, despite cancellation, maintains passionate fan engagement in 2026. From Abigail Cowen’s dragon flame to the specialists’ combat prowess, these actors created memorable coming-of-age journey performances.

Follow your favorites on social media as they continue their careers beyond the magical boarding school, and share which character’s fairy transformation was your favorite in the comments below!