Wayward cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the upcoming Netflix thriller by Mae Martin?

Netflix ventures into darker territory with Wayward, a new limited series created by and starring Canadian comedian Mae Martin. Best known for Feel Good and their stand-up special SAP, Martin explores a completely different genre here, shifting from romantic comedy to a tense psychological drama. Wayward, set in the fictional town of Tall Pines, will premiere globally on September 25, 2025, with all eight episodes releasing simultaneously.

The story of Wayward follows police officer Alex Dempsey, played by Martin, who moves to Tall Pines with his pregnant wife, Laura, played by Sarah Gadon. Once there, Alex gets involved with two students from Tall Pines Academy, Abbie, played by Sydney Topliffe, and Leila, played by Alyvia Alyn Lind, who are eager to escape. At the heart of the academy is Evelyn Wade, played by Toni Collette, a commanding figure whose methods quickly arouse suspicion.

Breaking down the cast of Netflix’s Wayward

Wayward brings together an impressive mix of veteran actors and rising talent. Created by Mae Martin, the thriller is set in Tall Pines, a seemingly quiet town hiding disturbing secrets. At the center of it all is Tall Pines Academy, a facility for “troubled teens” that quickly proves to be far more dangerous than it appears. Its cast list reveals why this show is already drawing so much attention.

Mae Martin, known for Feel Good and their stand-up work, takes on the lead role of Alex Dempsey. Alex is a police officer who moves to Tall Pines with his pregnant wife, only to be drawn into the mysteries surrounding the academy. With Martin taking on the roles of star, co-showrunner, and executive producer, this marks a significant change in tone for him. Their personal experiences with adolescence and research into teen reform schools give Alex a grounded perspective that will likely resonate with viewers.

Opposite Martin is Toni Collette as Evelyn Wade, the commanding and unsettling leader of Tall Pines Academy. Collette’s film and television career is full of characters who leave a lasting impression, from Hereditary to Pieces of Her. In Wayward, Evelyn is portrayed as a figure of authority whose presence dominates the facility. The trailer hints at her manipulative influence, making her the character to watch as secrets in Tall Pines unfold.

Sarah Gadon joins the cast as Laura Redman, Alex’s pregnant wife. Gadon, well-regarded for roles in Alias Grace and Enemy, plays a character who becomes entangled in the town’s unease while supporting her husband. Laura’s role adds a family dimension to the story, contrasting the harsh environment of the academy with the personal stakes at home.

The series also highlights two young actors at its core: Sydney Topliffe as Abbie and Alyvia Alyn Lind as Leila. Both play students inside Tall Pines Academy who want to escape its grip. Their friendship forms the emotional heart of the show, as their fight for survival collides with Alex’s investigation. The trailer positions them as key voices exposing what really goes on behind the facility’s closed doors.

Patrick J. Adams, familiar to viewers of Suits, plays Wyatt Turner, while Brandon Jay McLaren portrays Dwayne Andrews. The supporting ensemble adds depth to the town’s atmosphere, with Tattiawna Jones as Rabbit, Isolde Ardies as Stacey, Joshua Close as Duck, Patrick Gallagher as Chief Bartell, Gage Munroe as Riley, and Byron Mann as Brian. Each character ties into the web of control, suspicion, and resistance that defines Tall Pines.

Together, this cast balances seasoned performers like Collette and Gadon with fresh talent such as Topliffe and Lind. Martin’s dual role as star and creator ensures the series has a personal edge, while the ensemble delivers the complexity needed for a story about secrets, authority, and rebellion. Wayward promises a sharp look at the troubled teen industry, elevated by a cast ready to bring both intensity and nuance to Netflix’s fall lineup.

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