Prepare for a chilling and socially resonant thriller when “Wayward” premieres globally on Netflix on September 25, 2025. The series is set in a seemingly idyllic, bucolic town that masks a deeply sinister underbelly, centered around the exploitative and insidious world of the “troubled teen industry.” This sprawling narrative will explore the intricate, often horrifying mechanisms of programs that promise to reform rebellious youth but instead subject them to manipulation and control. At its heart, the show is an eternal struggle of the next generation fighting to expose the truth and break free from the cycles of trauma enforced by the powerful adults who run the town.

Leading the exceptional ensemble is the critically acclaimed Mae Martin in a dramatic starring role, alongside the legendary Toni Collette. They are supported by a powerhouse cast including Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Gadon, and Alyvia Alyn Lind. “Wayward” promises to be a tense, thought-provoking drama that sheds light on a dark corner of society, blending small-town mystery with a powerful critique of systemic abuse and the resilience of youth.

Meet the Cast of Wayward

1: Mae Martin as Alex Dempsey

Comedian, writer, and actor Mae Martin (Feel Good) takes on a compelling dramatic role as Alex Dempsey. This casting suggests Alex is likely an outsider—perhaps a journalist, a new resident, or a skeptical parent—who arrives in the town and begins to unravel its dark secrets. Martin’s signature blend of sharp intelligence, empathy, and observational humor is perfectly suited to play a character who serves as the audience’s entry point, questioning the town’s facade of normality and becoming determined to expose the truth.

Martin’s performance will be crucial in grounding the show’s darker themes. As Alex peels back the layers of the town’s institutions, they will likely face gaslighting, intimidation, and danger. Martin’s ability to convey vulnerability and fierce determination will make Alex’s journey both relatable and heroic, representing the voice of reason and justice against a deeply entrenched system of control.

2: Toni Collette as Leanne

The Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning powerhouse Toni Collette (Hereditary, Unbelievable) brings her immense talent to the role of Leanne. Given Collette’s propensity for complex, emotionally charged characters, Leanne is undoubtedly a central figure in the town’s power structure. She could be the charismatic but ruthless founder of a “reform” school, a town matriarch who protects its secrets, or a seemingly benevolent figure with a hidden, manipulative agenda. Her presence signals a character of profound depth and menace.

Collette’s performance will be the series’ antagonist anchor. She excels at portraying characters whose warmth can instantly curdle into terrifying intensity, making Leanne a formidable and unpredictable foe for anyone threatening the town’s lucrative and dark industry. Her role will explore the banality of evil, showing how cruelty and control can be systematized under the guise of help and community values.

3: Patrick J. Adams

Patrick J. Adams, best known for his role as Mike Ross in Suits, joins the cast in a pivotal role. Adams often plays intelligent, principled, and sometimes morally conflicted characters. He could portray a parent who has sent his child to one of the town’s programs and is beginning to suspect something is wrong, a lawyer investigating the industry, or even a teacher or staff member within the system who becomes a reluctant ally to the teens.

Adams’s character will likely represent the perspective of a concerned adult who is initially trusting of the system. His journey could involve a painful awakening and a difficult choice between his own comfort and risking everything to fight for the truth. His performance will add a layer of moral complexity and internal conflict to the narrative.

4: Sarah Gadon as Laura

The accomplished Sarah Gadon (Alias Grace, True Detective) appears as Laura. Gadon often portrays characters of grace and intelligence that conceal inner strength or turmoil. Laura could be another parent entangled in the town’s web, a local journalist with suspicions, or perhaps a member of the program’s staff who is complicit in its operations but may have her own reservations. Her role is sure to be nuanced and significant to the plot.

Gadon’s presence adds to the show’s atmosphere of unsettling normality. Her character will likely be a key piece in the puzzle, someone whose allegiances are unclear and whose actions will have major consequences for both the protagonists and the antagonists of the story.

The Supporting Ensemble: Residents and Teens

The series is built on a deep bench of talent that populates the town and its institutions:

• Brandon Jay McLaren brings his everyman intensity (Twisted, The Rookie) to a role that could be a local law enforcement officer or a determined father.

• Alyvia Alyn Lind (Chucky, Daybreak), a young actress known for playing formidable characters, is perfectly cast as one of the “wayward” teens at the heart of the struggle. She will likely embody the resilience and rebellion of the next generation.

• Patrick Gallagher and Joshua Close are seasoned character actors who will undoubtedly portray town officials, program staff, or other residents invested in maintaining the status quo.

• Sydney Topliffe and John Daniel play Abbie and Rory, likely other teenagers trapped within the system, whose friendships and survival strategies will be central to the story.

• Tricia Black rounds out the cast, potentially in the role of “Mule,” a character whose nickname suggests they might be a smuggler of information or goods, a crucial but dangerous ally for the teens.