IMAGES: Defiance Season 2 Cast Promotional Pictures

Syfy’s groundbreaking, highly-rated “Defiance” returns for a second season on Thursday, June 19 at 8pm.

The most ambitious project in Syfy’s 20-year history, and produced by Universal Cable Productions, season one of “Defiance” delivered an average of 1.5 million viewers 18-49 and 3.2 million total viewers, ranking as the second-highest Syfy scripted original to date among total viewers based on Live +7 data (behind “Warehouse 13” in September 2009).  The season one finale on July 8 earned a solid 1.6 million viewers 18-49 and 3.4 million total viewers.

Grant Bowler returns as Nolan, along with Julie Benz as Amanda Rosewater, Stephanie Leonidas as Irisa, Tony Curran as Datak Tarr, Jaime Murray as Stahma Tarr, Graham Greene as Rafe McCawley and Jesse Rath as Alak Tarr.  The cast also features Dewshane Williams as Tommy, Trenna Keating as Doc Yewll, Justin Rain as Quentin McCawley and Nicole Munoz as Christie McCawley.

As the story of “Defiance” resumes, the lives of the townspeople are in drastic turmoil.  The Earth Republic has assumed control of the town, with far-reaching consequences including a new mayor.  Nolan traverses the badlands to find a lost Irisa, Amanda has an unexpected new role in the town as she searches for Kenya and the Tarr family desperately tries to keep control of their criminal empire in the midst of dramatic changes.

James Murray joins the cast in the integral role of Mayor Pottinger, the new mayor of Defiance. Appointed by the Earth Republic, Pottinger is shrewd, polished and charming; he quickly wins the trust of most people he meets. But his civilized veneer hides a ruthless pragmatist who traffics in information and secrets, and mercilessly punishes those who defy him.  Pottinger sees people as tools to be exploited or prizes to be won; his latest object of desire is ex-mayor Amanda (Benz).  William Atherton also joins the cast to portray high-ranking Earth Republic official Viceroy Mercado, and Anna Hopkins will play the role of Earth Republic soldier and documentarian Jessica “Berlin” Rai.