Thomas Edison (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) is a protagonist in The Current War.
Inventor of the electric lightbulb who promotes Direct Current (DC) technology. He fiercely guards his patents, sues Westinghouse, engages in a publicity war by demonstrating AC's dangers, and secretly supports the development of the electric chair. Later marginalized and merged into General Electric. George Westinghouse (played by Michael Shannon) is a protagonist in The Current War.
Successful businessman and inventor who champions Alternating Current (AC) as a superior, cost-effective alternative to DC. He demonstrates AC technology, faces financial and personal hardships, successfully bids for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, and ultimately wins the current war. Nikola Tesla (played by Nicholas Hoult) appears in The Current War.
Inventor who arrives in the US and initially works for Edison but leaves due to broken promises and ideological differences. Later approached by Westinghouse to collaborate on building a practical AC motor, contributing to the success of AC technology. Samuel Insull (played by Tom Holland) appears in The Current War.
Presents Edison's competing bid to illuminate the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago on behalf of Edison. Bourke Cockran (played by Damien Molony) appears in The Current War.
Franklin Pope (played by Stanley Townsend) appears in The Current War.
Westinghouse's friend who dies in an electrical accident, causing personal tragedy for Westinghouse during the competition.
The Current War (2018) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Thomas Edison
(played by Benedict Cumberbatch) — protagonist
Inventor of the electric lightbulb who promotes Direct Current (DC) technology. He fiercely guards his patents, sues Westinghouse, engages in a publicity war by demonstrating AC's dangers, and secretl...
George Westinghouse
(played by Michael Shannon) — protagonist
Successful businessman and inventor who champions Alternating Current (AC) as a superior, cost-effective alternative to DC. He demonstrates AC technology, faces financial and personal hardships, succe...
Nikola Tesla
(played by Nicholas Hoult) — supporting
Inventor who arrives in the US and initially works for Edison but leaves due to broken promises and ideological differences. Later approached by Westinghouse to collaborate on building a practical AC...
Samuel Insull
(played by Tom Holland) — supporting
Presents Edison's competing bid to illuminate the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago on behalf of Edison.
Bourke Cockran
(played by Damien Molony) — supporting
Franklin Pope
(played by Stanley Townsend) — supporting
Westinghouse's friend who dies in an electrical accident, causing personal tragedy for Westinghouse during the competition.
Key Relationships
Bourke Cockran → Nikola Tesla
(related)
Bourke Cockran → Thomas Edison
(related)
Samuel Insull → George Westinghouse
(Conflict Competitor)
Thomas Edison → Samuel Insull
(Professional Business Associate)
George Westinghouse → Franklin Pope
(Social Close Friend)
George Westinghouse → Nikola Tesla
(Alliance Business Partner)
Thomas Edison → Nikola Tesla
(Professional Former Employer)
Thomas Edison → George Westinghouse
(Conflict Arch Enemy)
Story Analysis
A historical rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over direct versus alternating current, shaped by Nikola Tesla's innovations and corporate battles.
