The Man in My Basement premieres on September 26, 2025, on Hulu, bringing Walter Mosley’s gripping novel to the screen. The psychological drama follows Charles Blakey, a man on the brink of losing his ancestral home, who makes a fateful decision when a mysterious businessman offers to rent his basement. As secrets unravel and moral boundaries are tested, the film explores themes of race, power, and survival.

With a stellar cast led by Willem Dafoe and Corey Hawkins, the film combines veteran talent with rising stars. Each cast member adds emotional weight and intensity, making this adaptation one of the most anticipated Hulu releases of 2025.

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The Man in My Basement Cast and crew

1. Willem Dafoe — Anniston Bennet

Willem Dafoe plays Anniston Bennet, the peculiar white businessman with a European accent who proposes to rent Charles Blakey’s basement for the summer. His character is unsettling yet charismatic, embodying both wealth and menace, which sets the tone for the film’s tension-filled atmosphere.

Dafoe, known for acclaimed performances in The Lighthouse and Spider-Man: No Way Home, brings his trademark intensity and unpredictability to the role. His ability to portray morally ambiguous figures ensures Anniston Bennet will be both fascinating and disturbing, driving the central conflict of the story.

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2. Jonathan Ajayi — Ricky Winkler

Jonathan Ajayi portrays Ricky Winkler, a supporting character whose presence adds to the unfolding tension in Charles’s world. Ricky plays an important part in either complicating or reflecting Charles’s circumstances, providing added texture to the film’s social and psychological landscape.

Ajayi, recognized for Wonder Woman 1984 and Noughts + Crosses, is a rising talent known for his ability to bring emotional nuance to layered roles. His performance as Ricky Winkler will likely deepen the film’s exploration of human motives and moral dilemmas.

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3. Corey Hawkins — Charles Blakey

Corey Hawkins stars as Charles Blakey, the protagonist whose life spirals as he faces losing his family home in Sag Harbor. Charles’s decision to rent his basement to Anniston Bennet triggers a series of events that test his sense of identity, morality, and survival.

Hawkins, acclaimed for roles in Straight Outta Compton and In the Heights, is known for his commanding screen presence and emotional depth. As Charles, he anchors the film with a performance that blends vulnerability, resilience, and intensity, making him the emotional core of the narrative.

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4. Anna Diop — Narciss Gully

Anna Diop plays Narciss Gully, a key figure in Charles’s life who brings warmth, complexity, and emotional grounding to the story. Her character represents both a source of support and a reminder of the personal stakes Charles faces as his world unravels.

Diop, best known for her role as Starfire in Titans and the acclaimed thriller Nanny, is celebrated for her ability to balance strength with sensitivity. Her portrayal of Narciss adds emotional resonance to the film, making her an essential counterpoint to the unsettling presence of Anniston Bennet.

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5. Mark Arnold — Wilson Ryder

Mark Arnold appears as Wilson Ryder, a character whose involvement likely complicates Charles’s struggle. Whether as an antagonist or a figure of authority, Ryder adds another dimension to the story’s exploration of power and influence.

Arnold, a seasoned actor with credits in Teen Wolf and April Showers, brings gravitas and reliability to his roles. His presence in The Man in My Basement strengthens the ensemble, contributing to the layered drama unfolding around Charles’s decisions.

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6. Brian Bovell — Brent Blakey

Brian Bovell takes on the role of Brent Blakey, a family connection who ties Charles back to his ancestral roots. His presence reinforces the themes of legacy, responsibility, and the generational weight that Charles carries throughout the story.

Bovell, with a career spanning film, TV, and stage, is known for his versatility and emotional depth, with notable appearances in Murder Investigation Team and Secrets & Lies. His portrayal of Brent Blakey adds authenticity and family-centered conflict to the narrative.

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7. Tamara Lawrance — Bethany

Tamara Lawrance stars as Bethany, a character who introduces further personal and emotional complexity to Charles’s world. Bethany may serve as a voice of reason, confrontation, or compassion, making her integral to Charles’s internal struggle.

Lawrance has earned acclaim for roles in The Silent Twins and King Charles III, celebrated for her ability to command attention with nuanced performances. In The Man in My Basement, she is expected to deliver a layered portrayal that enhances the film’s dramatic depth.

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8. Gershwyn Eustache Jnr — Clarence Mayhew

Gershwyn Eustache Jnr plays Clarence Mayhew, a character who likely serves as either a confidant or a figure of conflict in Charles’s community. Clarence’s role helps broaden the narrative beyond Charles’s immediate household, grounding the story in its wider social setting.

Eustache Jnr, known for I May Destroy You and Top Boy, is an actor skilled at delivering emotionally charged and grounded performances. His presence adds richness to the ensemble, giving the story a more layered and authentic feel.

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9. Brooke Walter — Newsreader

Brooke Walter portrays the Newsreader, a role that provides context and a broader societal lens to the story’s events. Though not a central character, the Newsreader serves as a narrative device to connect the audience with the external world beyond Sag Harbor.

Walter, a performer with growing screen credits, brings precision and believability to her role. Even in a smaller part, her presence enhances the realism and immersion of the story, anchoring the drama in a world that feels both contemporary and pressing.

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10. Miah Hasselbaink — Athalia

Miah Hasselbaink plays Athalia, a character who likely represents innocence, hope, or personal stakes within Charles’s turbulent life. Athalia’s role adds a humanizing element, reminding viewers of what Charles stands to lose.

Hasselbaink, an emerging talent, brings freshness and energy to the screen. Her portrayal of Athalia will add warmth and dimension to the story, highlighting the contrasts between vulnerability and the darker forces at play in Charles’s basement.

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11. Shellia Kennedy — Aunt Peaches

Shellia Kennedy stars as Aunt Peaches, a figure from Charles’s family circle who brings tradition, wisdom, and perhaps comic relief to the story. Aunt Peaches represents the heritage and cultural grounding that anchors Charles to his past.

Kennedy infuses her roles with authenticity and charm, making Aunt Peaches a memorable supporting character. Her presence highlights the importance of family history and cultural ties in shaping Charles’s identity and decisions.

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12. Pamela Nomvete — Irene Littleneck

Pamela Nomvete portrays Irene Littleneck, a character who may function as an advisor, community figure, or challenger to Charles’s actions. Irene adds a deeper cultural and emotional perspective to the film, reminding Charles of the larger implications of his choices.

Nomvete, known for her powerful roles in Coronation Street and Black Earth Rising, is celebrated for her commanding presence. Her portrayal of Irene Littleneck ensures a grounded and memorable performance that resonates with the film’s exploration of identity and morality.