The new Netflix thriller Wayward arrived on September 25, 2025, introducing viewers to the mysterious town of Tall Pines. The series follows a police officer and two teenagers as they uncover dark secrets behind a local school. Here is a simple guide to the actors and the characters they play in this gripping story.
The Creative Force and the Main Protagonist
The series was created by and stars Mae Martin as Alex Dempsey. Martin is a comedian known for the Netflix series Feel Good. In Wayward, they take on a different role as a police officer who moves to Tall Pines with his pregnant wife. Alex hopes for a fresh start but quickly senses something is wrong in the town. Martin describes Alex as a character who is “figuring things out in real time with the audience,” making mistakes and good choices along the way.
The Couple at the Heart of the Story
Sarah Gadon plays Laura, Alex’s wife. Laura is intelligent and empathetic, but she has secrets from her past connected to Tall Pines. Gadon, known for Alias Grace, says that Laura “appears to be one way on the surface” but has a lot happening underneath. Her return to her hometown forces her to confront memories she had locked away.
The Enigmatic Leader
Toni Collette stars as Evelyn Wade, the founder and head of Tall Pines Academy, a school for “troubled teens.” Evelyn appears warm and maternal, but she can be ruthless when protecting the community she built. Martin said Collette was their “number one choice” for the role, an actor who can be “dryly funny, but then also absolutely terrifying.”
The Teenagers Seeking the Truth
Two young actors carry much of the story as students trying to escape the academy.
Alyvia Alyn Lind plays Leila, a rebellious and sarcastic teen. She is sent to Tall Pines Academy and must confront a painful past. Lind, from the show Chucky, says she loves how “carefree” her character is at the start, before learning that her actions have consequences.
Sydney Topliffe plays Abbie, Leila’s best friend. Abbie is a laid-back dreamer with a strong sense of loyalty. Topliffe describes Abbie as a “humanist” who can “see the goodness in others,” but who also has a hidden fierceness.
The Adults of Tall Pines
The town is filled with characters who may not be what they seem.
Brandon Jay McLaren plays Dwayne Andrews, Alex’s police partner. He is a war veteran who is deeply loyal to the town, but his disapproval can be dangerous.
Patrick J. Adams, famous from Suits, plays Wyatt Turner, a high school principal with a dark connection to Tall Pines. Martin, who has known Adams for years, said it was thrilling to see him play a “sinister character.”
Tattiawna Jones is Rabbit, a staff member at the academy who enjoys her power. Joshua Close plays Duck, Rabbit’s counterpart who oversees the boys.
Patrick Gallagher appears as Chief Bartell, the head of the Tall Pines police department who is under Evelyn’s influence.
The Students at the Academy
Other young actors round out the cast of students at the mysterious school.
Isolde Ardies plays Stacey, Abbie’s roommate who fully believes in the academy’s teachings and is not to be trusted.
Gage Munroe plays Riley, a popular student whose attempt to escape the academy sets the story in motion.
John Daniel plays Rory, a well-meaning student who yearns for acceptance from his classmates.
Behind the Scenes
Wayward is an eight-episode miniseries. Martin created the show and served as a showrunner alongside Ryan Scott. The idea came from Martin’s own experiences as a “wayward teen” and stories from a friend who was institutionalized. The series was filmed in Ontario, Canada.
The show features a diverse creative team with directors including Euros Lyn (Doctor Who) and John Fawcett (Orphan Black).
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