Premiering March 13, 2025, on Hulu, Control Freak is a sharp, twisted tale about Val Nguyen (Kelly Marie Tran), a perfectionist social media strategist whose meticulously controlled life spirals into chaos after a viral scandal. Blending dark humor, psychological suspense, and biting social commentary, the series explores the cost of obsession with image, identity, and power in the digital age. As Val scrambles to salvage her career and relationships, she uncovers unsettling truths about herself—and the people pulling her strings.
With its whip-smart writing, unpredictable twists, and standout performances, Control Freak is a timely exploration of ambition, manipulation, and the masks we wear to survive. From corporate boardrooms to chaotic family dynamics, the series dives into the absurdity of modern life, asking: How far would you go to stay in control?
The Cast of Control Freak: Everything You Need to Know
– Kelly Marie Tran as Val
Kelly Marie Tran, born January 17, 1989, in San Diego, California, is best known for Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Raya and the Last Dragon. As Val, a neurotic social media guru, Tran delivers a career-defining performance, balancing vulnerability, wit, and simmering rage. Val’s journey from polished perfectionist to unraveling antihero is both relatable and unnerving.
Tran’s ability to navigate comedy and drama shines in this role. Her portrayal of Val’s downward spiral—marked by desperate schemes and moral compromises—anchors the series, making it impossible to look away.
– Miles Robbins as Robbie
Miles Robbins, born May 4, 1992, in New York City, is known for Halloween (2018) and Mozart in the Jungle. As Robbie, Val’s charming but opportunistic colleague, Robbins brings a slippery charisma to the role. Robbie’s loyalty is always in question, and his dynamic with Val fuels much of the series’ tension.
Robbins’ performance adds a layer of unpredictability, as Robbie’s motives blur the line between ally and antagonist. His chemistry with Tran is electric, driving the show’s central power struggle.
– Callie Johnson as Crystal
Callie Johnson, a rising star known for The Wilds and Good Trouble, plays Crystal, Val’s seemingly flawless rival-turned-frenemy. Johnson’s portrayal of Crystal’s calculated sweetness masks a ruthless ambition, making her a perfect foil for Val.
Johnson’s performance is a masterclass in subtle menace. Crystal’s passive-aggressive jabs and Instagram-perfect life push Val to her breaking point, highlighting the show’s critique of performative success.
– Kieu Chinh as Aunt Thuy
Kieu Chinh, born October 15, 1939, in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a veteran actress known for The Joy Luck Club and Mulan. As Aunt Thuy, Val’s traditional and overbearing aunt, Chinh brings gravitas and dark humor to the role. Thuy’s relentless critiques of Val’s life choices add cultural and generational tension.
Chinh’s performance is both hilarious and heartbreaking, as Thuy’s tough love stems from her own unspoken regrets. Her scenes with Tran are emotional anchors of the series.
– Scott Takeda as Dr. Chen
Scott Takeda, known for The Chi and The Laundromat, plays Dr. Chen, Val’s unorthodox therapist. Takeda’s portrayal of Chen—a man who mixes Zen wisdom with blunt honesty—adds levity and depth to Val’s journey.
Detail: Control Freak cast, release date, budget, box office and latest news
Takeda’s deadpan delivery and unexpected advice make Dr. Chen a fan favorite. His sessions with Val reveal the cracks in her carefully constructed façade.
– Zack Gold as Mason
Zack Gold, known for Love, Victor and The Sex Lives of College Girls, plays Mason, Val’s disillusioned assistant. Gold’s portrayal of Mason’s quiet rebellion against Val’s demands adds a grounded, humanizing counterpoint to the chaos.
Gold’s performance shines in subtle moments, as Mason’s loyalty is tested by Val’s increasingly erratic behavior. His character’s arc reflects the cost of working for a control addict.
– Toan Le as Sang
Toan Le, known for The Sympathizer and Poker Face, plays Sang, Val’s estranged brother. Le brings a brooding intensity to the role, as Sang’s return to Val’s life forces her to confront their fractured family history.
Le’s chemistry with Tran adds emotional weight to the series. Sang’s secrets and simmering resentment threaten to upend Val’s already precarious world.
– Ian Choi as Dying Vietnamese Boy
Ian Choi, known for The Sex Lives of College Girls and The Summer I Turned Pretty, appears in a haunting flashback role as a dying Vietnamese boy tied to Val’s traumatic past. Choi’s brief but impactful performance adds layers to Val’s psychological unraveling.
Choi’s scenes are pivotal, offering clues to Val’s deep-seated fears and guilt. His presence lingers long after the episode ends.
– Christina Pope as Makeup Artist to Motivational Speaker
Christina Pope, known for Atlanta and The Vampire Diaries, plays a sharp-tongued makeup artist who works on Val’s high-profile client. Pope’s cameo is a darkly comic highlight, as her character’s cynicism mirrors Val’s inner turmoil.
Pope’s biting one-liners and no-nonsense attitude steal the scene, underscoring the show’s theme of hidden truths behind glossy surfaces.
– Chelsea Parsons as Rachel
Chelsea Parsons, known for The Flight Attendant and The Bold Type, plays Rachel, Val’s college friend turned corporate nemesis. Parsons’ portrayal of Rachel’s smug success fuels Val’s insecurity and desperation.
Parsons’ performance is deliciously antagonistic, as Rachel’s effortless achievements highlight Val’s spiraling self-doubt.
– Justin Piaoan as Young Sang
Justin Piaoan, a rising young actor, plays Young Sang in flashbacks exploring Val’s childhood. Piaoan’s portrayal captures the innocence and trauma that shaped Val’s need for control.
Piaoan’s scenes with Tran are emotionally raw, offering a window into the siblings’ fractured bond.
– Samantha Coppola as Ashley
Samantha Coppola, known for Law & Order: SVU and Blue Bloods, plays Ashley, Val’s no-nonsense PR crisis manager. Coppola’s steely performance adds urgency as Ashley tries to contain Val’s scandals.
Coppola’s character is a voice of reason in the storm, but even she struggles to keep up with Val’s self-destruction.
– Mikah Fikes as Film Crew
Mikah Fikes, known for Abbott Elementary and Bel-Air, plays a sardonic film crew member documenting Val’s downfall. Fikes’ dry humor and observant quips add meta-commentary on the absurdity of fame.
Fikes’ character serves as a Greek chorus, underscoring the series’ critique of media exploitation.
