Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!

Knights of the Zodiac (2023) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Knights of the Zodiac (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language: 2023 · English; Echo score 42; Loading streaming availability…
Directed by: Tomasz Baginski
Starring: Mark Dacascos, Sean Bean, Madison Iseman, Nick Stahl, Famke Janssen, David Torok
Budget: $60M

A rebellious young man is thrust into a hidden world of warriors and ancient magic. Driven by a desire for justice, Seiya must unlock his latent abilities and unite with a fellowship of Zodiac Knights. Their mission is to safeguard a reincarnated goddess, battling powerful enemies who seek to extinguish her divine light and plunge the world into darkness.

Action Adventure Sci-Fi Drama Fantasy Cast, crew & box office

On this page (9)

1 Where to watch
2 Characters explained (6)
3 Character relationship map
4 Where & when it takes place
5 Themes & meaning (3)
6 Character & meaning questions
7 Movie threads
8 Movies like Knights of the Zodiac
9 Every angle

Loading streaming availability…

6 main characters · contains spoilers

Knights of the Zodiac Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Knights of the Zodiac (2023), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

Seiya

played by Mackenyu

Seiya is a street-savvy orphan on a quest to locate his sister. His fierce determination and hidden potential lead him to become the Pegasus Knight, battling against overwhelming odds to protect those he cares about.
- 🦸‍♂️ Hero
- 🧑‍🎤 Orphan
- 🌟 Determined
Alman Kido

played by Sean Bean

Alman Kido is a dedicated mentor determined to train a new generation of knights to protect Athena. His wisdom and commitment are essential in guiding Seiya and Sienna through their challenges.
- 🧙‍♂️ Mentor
- ⚖️ Protector
- 🌠 Wise
Sienna

played by Madison Iseman

Sienna is the reincarnated form of Athena, struggling to grasp her destiny while forming a bond with Seiya. Her character reflects vulnerability paired with immense potential as she learns to master her powers.
- 👸 Goddess
- 💖 Vulnerable
- 🚀 Powerful
Vander Guraad

played by Famke Janssen

Vander Guraad is a formidable antagonist whose ambition drives her to capture powerful warriors. Her complex character showcases the blurry line between villainy and necessity as she strives to neutralize Athena’s threat.
- 🦹‍♀️ Villain
- 📈 Ambitious
- 💔 Complex
Mylock

played by Mark Dacascos

Mylock is Kido's loyal assistant, who plays a pivotal role in the protection of Seiya and Sienna during their darkest moments. He embodies unwavering dedication, often putting himself in harm's way for the greater good.
- 🤵 Assistant
- 💪 Loyal
- 🌌 Protector
Cassios

played by Nick Stahl

Cassios is a brash fighter whose pride makes him a formidable opponent. His journey throughout the film reveals a struggle with power dynamics and personal allegiances, culminating in a critical showdown.
- 🥊 Fighter
- 😡 Proud
- ⚔️ Rival

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 18:19

Was this helpful?

7 characters · 9 connections · contains spoilers

Knights of the Zodiac Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in Knights of the Zodiac: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

Drag to move · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll to zoom

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 18:19

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does Knights of the Zodiac Take Place?

The setting of Knights of the Zodiac (2023): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The events of the film span modern times while steeped in mythological roots. The narrative explores themes of rebirth and ancient lore, with characters navigating a world once dominated by gods and now filled with the remnants of their influence.

Location

Earth, Kido's secret hideout, underground fighting ring

The story unfolds on Earth, a place where ancient legends and modern life intersect. Kido's secret hideout serves as a sanctuary for those dedicated to protecting Athena, while the underground fighting ring symbolizes the darker corners of society where power and skill are highly valued.

🏞️ Earth
🏰 Hideout
🥊 Fighting Ring

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 18:19

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

Knights of the Zodiac Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Knights of the Zodiac (2023) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

Heroism

The theme of heroism is central to the film, exemplified by Seiya's journey from an orphan seeking his sister to a knight destined to protect Athena. His transformation reflects the courage required to confront challenges and destiny itself.
Cosmic Power

The concept of Cosmo, a mystical energy derived from the stars, plays a crucial role in the narrative. Characters harness this power, which ties them to their destinies and the ongoing battle against darker forces in the universe.
Sacrifice

Sacrifice echoes throughout the movie, particularly evident in Kido's selfless acts to protect Seiya and Sienna. This theme illustrates the lengths some characters will go to ensure the safety and future of others, highlighting the emotional stakes of their fight.

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 18:19

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

Knights of the Zodiac Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Knights of the Zodiac (2023): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does the story take place?

The story unfolds on Earth, blending ancient legends with modern life. Kido's secret hideout serves as a sanctuary for those dedicated to protecting Athena, while the underground fighting ring represents the darker corners of society where power and skill are valued.

earth setting
kido hideout
underground fighting ring

Q2

What time period is the movie set in?

The film takes place in modern times but is deeply rooted in mythological lore. The world was once dominated by gods, and the story explores themes of rebirth while navigating the remnants of divine influence in contemporary society.

modern times
mythology
ancient gods
rebirth

Q3

What is Cosmo and how does it work?

Cosmo is a mystical cosmic energy derived from the stars that characters harness to gain extraordinary powers. This force ties knights to their destinies and enables them to battle darker forces threatening the universe.

cosmo
cosmic power
star energy
zodiac knights powers

Q4

Who is Seiya and what is his background?

Seiya is a street-savvy orphan driven by the quest to find his missing sister. His fierce determination and hidden potential lead him to become the Pegasus Knight, battling against overwhelming odds to protect those he cares about.

seiya
pegasus knight
orphan
sister

Q5

Who is Sienna and what is her role?

Sienna is the reincarnated form of the goddess Athena, struggling to grasp her destiny while forming a bond with Seiya. She possesses immense potential and learns to master her divine powers throughout the film.

sienna
athena reincarnation
goddess
reincarnated deity

Q6

Who is Vander Guraad and what are her motivations?

Vander Guraad is a formidable antagonist whose ambition drives her to capture powerful warriors. Her complex character explores the blurry line between villainy and necessity as she seeks to neutralize what she perceives as Athena's threat to the world.

vander guraad
villain
antagonist
motivations

Q7

Who is Alman Kido and what is his role?

Alman Kido is a dedicated mentor who trains a new generation of knights to protect Athena. His wisdom and commitment are essential in guiding Seiya and Sienna through their challenges, making significant sacrifices along the way.

alman kido
mentor
zodiac knights trainer

Q8

What are the main themes explored in the movie?

The film centers on three major themes: heroism, with Seiya's transformation from orphan to knight; cosmic power through the mystical energy called Cosmo; and sacrifice, exemplified by characters willing to risk everything to protect others.

heroism
sacrifice
cosmic power
themes

Q9

What is the legend of the Zodiac Knights?

The Zodiac Knights are ancient warriors dedicated to protecting the goddess Athena. Each knight is aligned with a constellation from the zodiac, and they harness cosmic power to battle forces that threaten to plunge the world into darkness.

zodiac knights
constellations
ancient warriors
legend

Q10

How is heroism portrayed in the film?

Heroism in the film is exemplified by Seiya's journey from an orphan seeking his sister to a knight destined to protect Athena. His transformation reflects the courage required to confront both physical challenges and the trials of destiny itself.

heroism
bravery
hero journey
seiya transformation

Q11

Who is Mylock and what role does he play?

Mylock is Kido's loyal assistant who plays a pivotal role in protecting Seiya and Sienna during their darkest moments. He embodies unwavering dedication, often putting himself in harm's way for the greater good.

mylock
loyal assistant
kido helper

Q12

What kind of world do the knights inhabit?

The knights inhabit a world where ancient legends and modern life intersect. It's a reality once dominated by gods but now filled with the remnants of divine influence, creating a setting where mystical warriors operate in secret alongside ordinary society.

hidden world
ancient magic
warriors world
mythology world

Movie threads

More Movies Like Knights of the Zodiac, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Knights of the Zodiac tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Chosen One Power Fantasies like Knights of the Zodiac

Reluctant heroes mastering cosmic powers to save the world from destruction. If you enjoyed the heroic ascent in Knights of the Zodiac, explore these movies featuring reluctant heroes who unlock incredible abilities. Discover similar action fantasies with ancient legacies, intense training arcs, and world-saving quests that deliver a fast-paced, hopeful adventure.

epic
heroic
hopeful
intense
anxious
mysterious
Tone: tense, heroic, hopeful
Pacing: fast, action-driven

Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a classic 'chosen one' arc: a seemingly ordinary individual is revealed to be the key to a cosmic struggle. The plot revolves around their training, the forging of alliances, and a series of escalating battles against a powerful antagonist, culminating in a decisive confrontation for the fate of the world.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core fantasy of empowerment and destiny. They consistently feature fast pacing driven by action, high intensity from world-ending stakes, and a tone that balances tension with hopeful heroism, creating a cohesive and exhilarating viewing experience.

Knights of the Zodiac movie poster

Knights of the Zodiac

2023

The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb movie poster

The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb

1000

The Golden Child movie poster

The Golden Child

1986

Airpocalypse movie poster

Airpocalypse

2018

Batang-X movie poster

Batang-X

1995

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation movie poster

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation

1997

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale movie poster

In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale

2008

In the Name Of movie poster

In the Name Of

2013

Found Family Stories in Hidden Worlds like Knights of the Zodiac

Rebellious outsiders finding belonging in secret societies of warriors and magic. Fans of Knights of the Zodiac will enjoy these movies about rebels discovering secret societies. Explore similar films where characters find belonging in a fellowship of warriors, battling evil while navigating the bonds of a newfound family in a world of ancient magic.

found family
mysterious
heroic
anxious
hopeful
loyalty
Tone: tense, dramatic, hopeful
Pacing: fast, urgent

Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern begins with an outsider protagonist who discovers a hidden society operating by its own rules. The story focuses on their initial resistance, followed by acceptance and bonding with a core group. The central conflict often forces this new family to unite against a common enemy that threatens their very existence.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared focus on the 'found family' trope within a fantastical or sci-fi setting. They blend action and drama with themes of loyalty and self-sacrifice, maintaining a medium emotional weight and a tense, fast-paced atmosphere that builds towards a cohesive, triumphant outcome.

Warrior of the Lost World movie poster

Warrior of the Lost World

1983

The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising movie poster

The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising

2007

The Lost Empire movie poster

The Lost Empire

1984

Lost City Raiders movie poster

Lost City Raiders

2008

Family Pack movie poster

Family Pack

2024

Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone movie poster

Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone

1983

The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box movie poster

The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box

2014

Warriors of the Apocalypse movie poster

Warriors of the Apocalypse

1984

If you liked this

Movies Like Knights of the Zodiac

Similar movies to Knights of the Zodiac: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Saint Seiya: Legend of Crimson Youth movie poster

Saint Seiya: Legend of Crimson Youth

1988

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse movie poster

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse

1000

The Zodiac Fighters movie poster

The Zodiac Fighters

1978

Knights movie poster

Knights

1993

Last Knights movie poster

Last Knights

2015

Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog movie poster

Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog

1998

Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars movie poster

Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars

2021

A Knight's War movie poster

A Knight's War

2025

The Seven Deadly Sins: Prisoners of the Sky movie poster

The Seven Deadly Sins: Prisoners of the Sky

2018

Kitaro movie poster

Kitaro

2007

The Knight of Knights movie poster

The Knight of Knights

1966

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas movie poster

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas

1000

Every angle

Knights of the Zodiac (2023) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Knights of the Zodiac in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app

Plot Explained mobile app preview