Who is in the cast of Wayward? From horror legends to surprise Dolly Parton connection

Wayward is the latest innovative project from comedian, actor and writer Mae Martin, creator of the hit comedy-drama series Feel Good.

This time, Martin is portraying a police officer who moves to a picturesque small town, only to discover the local reform school for troubled teens is concealing some dark secrets.

Inspired by Martin’s own experiences as a ‘wayward’ teen, this gripping series promises to shed light on one of the most controversial industries in America when two young girls are taken in by Tall Pines School, run by an enigmatic leader with unconventional methods.

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The eight-part limited series is shaping up to become one of Netflix’s surprise hits of the year, having already picked up strong reviews and an impressive 89 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

With just a few more days until the new series hits screens, here’s a closer look at the cast and where you may have seen them before.

Mae Martin - Alex Dempsey

Wayward is led by the series’ creator and showrunner, Mae Martin, as police officer Alex Dempsey.

The non-binary star is best known for exploring their romantic and family relationships in the acclaimed Channel 4 series Feel Good, which also became an international hit on Netflix.

They have also competed on Taskmaster in 2023, winning the 15th series, and portrayed Grace St. James in the second season of HBO thriller The Flight Attendant.

Toni Collette - Evelyn Wade

Evelyn Wade, the woman at the centre of the Tall Pines conspiracy, is played by none other than Toni Collette, an Australian actress who has also become a Hollywood legend.

After a breakout role in the comedy film Muriel’s Wedding, she has since starred in iconic films such as The Sixth Sense, About a Boy and Little Miss Sunshine.

In 2019, Collette was crowned a bona fide scream queen thanks to her sensational performance in the hit horror film Hereditary. She has most recently starred in Mickey 17 and Juror No. 2.

Sarah Gadon - Laura Redman

Portraying Alex’s pregnant wife Laura Redman is actress Sarah Gadon, who has featured in some of the biggest prestige dramas of the past decade or so.

She’s perhaps best recognised for her role as Sadie Dunhill in 11.22.63, inspired by Stephen King’s novel, as well as leading another acclaimed literary adaptation, Alias Grace, based on the book by The Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood.

Gadon also starred in the third season of HBO’s crime anthology series True Detective. On the big screen, she’s landed roles in major features such as Belle, Enemy and Dracula Untold.

Sydney Topliffe - Abbie

Relative newcomer Sydney Topliffe is portraying Abbie, one of the young students at Tall Pines.

Wayward is her most high-profile role to date but she has also appeared in Doin' It and Davey & Jonesie's Locker, both released last year.

Alyvia Alyn Lind - Leila

Actress Alyvia Alyn Lind is behind Abbie’s best friend, Leila, who also finds herself wrapped up in the Tall Pines conspiracy.

Originally a soap star, she portrayed Faith Newman on the CBS series The Young and the Restless. Alyn Lind has also portrayed country legend Dolly Parton as a young girl twice in the TV films Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors and Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.

The young star has also appeared in the Netflix series Daybreak and became another horror legend when she starred as Lexy Cross in the SyFy and USA Network series Chucky.

Supporting Cast

Some very recognisable names have also taken on roles in the supporting cast. They include:

• Brandon Jay McLaren as Dwyane Andrews
• Tattiawna Jones as Rabbit
• Isolde Ardies as Stacey
• Joshua Close as Duck
• Patrick J Adams as Wyatt Turner
• Patrick Gallagher as Chief Bartell
• Gage Munroe as Riley
• Byron Mann as Brian

One of the stand-outs is Patrick J Adams, who is well-known to TV viewers for portraying Mike Ross in the hit USA Network drama Suits, alongside Meghan Markle.

Brandon Jay McLaren has recently appeared in Snowfall and The Rookie, while Tattiawna Jones has had several major roles in TV shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Lost in Space, Station Eleven and Murderbot.

Patrick Gallagher is best known for playing Attila the Hun in the Night at the Museum films and has also appeared in the crime drama Big Sky.

Wayward premieres Thursday, 25th September on Netflix.