By Alright, y’all — let’s talk about the Poor Things cast. If you’re scratching your head wondering who’s behind this wild story, you’re in the right place. I’m diving into the lineup of actors that bring this bizarre, beautiful mess of a film to life.
I gotta admit, before I watched it, I thought “Poor Things” was just some indie flick with a weird title. Boy, was I wrong. The story’s all over the place—in the best way—and the Poor Things cast? Stellar. Like, “Wicked good” stellar. No joke.
What’s This Movie Even About? (Spoiler: It’s Weird. In a Good Way.)
Before we get into the actors—because honestly, they’re the reason I stuck around—let’s get the basics down. Poor Things isn’t your typical story. Imagine if Frankenstein, a Victorian soap opera, and a late-night philosophy rant had a baby. That’s about the vibe.
You got identity crises, wild transformations, and love that’s as messy as my first attempt at sourdough. (Spoiler: It died faster than my sourdough starter—RIP Gary.) Anyway, the Poor Things cast had to be up for the challenge of playing characters that don’t just have layers—they’re basically an onion farm.
Meet Emma Stone — She’s the Wild Heart of Poor Things
I’m not exaggerating when I say Emma Stone carries this movie like a boss. She plays Bella Baxter, the story’s main chaos magnet. Bella’s this complex mix of rebellious, vulnerable, and totally captivating—kind of like that one cousin who’s wild but somehow makes you rethink your life choices.
- Emma Stone, in real life, has the kind of charm that’s both relatable and magnetic.
- She nails Bella’s rollercoaster emotions—one minute you wanna hug her, the next you’re wondering if you should run.
If you’ve seen her in La La Land or Easy A, you know she can swing from dramatic to hilarious without breaking a sweat. Here? She’s downright magnetic.
Willem Dafoe: The Mad Genius You Love to Hate
Now, Willem Dafoe plays Dr. Godwin Baxter. This guy is not your average scientist—more like a mad genius who might’ve been a villain in a past life. I swear, every scene with him is electric. There’s this weird mix of brilliance and creepiness that Dafoe owns.
- Fun fact: I once saw Dafoe in an indie play, and I swear the man could make reading a grocery list sound like Shakespeare.
- His role here? A little morally ambiguous, a little scary, and totally unforgettable.
His dynamic with Emma Stone’s Bella is like watching a beautiful but dangerous dance—you don’t wanna miss it.
The Supporting Cast: The Unsung Heroes of Poor Things
Okay, so the leads get the spotlight, but the Poor Things cast is stacked with supporting actors who totally hold their own.
Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn
Mark Ruffalo’s in here as Duncan Wedderburn, the slick antagonist with a smile that says “I’m up to no good.” Ruffalo’s been in everything from Spotlight to The Avengers, but here he’s got a wicked edge that feels fresh.
- Real talk: I remember chatting with a barista who swore Mark Ruffalo’s kindness offscreen is legendary.
- Duncan’s character? Charming but dangerous—like the guy who always “forgets” his wallet on purpose.
Jerrod Carmichael as Archibald McCandless
Jerrod Carmichael brings a hilarious yet heartfelt energy as Archibald. His role adds this layer of lightness, which you desperately need when the story gets heavy.
- Jerrod’s timing? Impeccable. I laughed so hard in one scene I nearly spilled my coffee (which, btw, later stained my notes—coffee spills, the true enemy of good writing).
- His character is the kind of guy who says the things we’re all thinking but too polite to voice.
Ramy Youssef as Dr. Godwin’s Assistant
Ramy Youssef rounds out the Poor Things cast with fresh energy. I don’t know about you, but I always appreciate that one character who keeps things moving when the plot gets dense.
- Ramy’s got that comedic flair but can flip it to serious real quick.
- Honestly, his scenes are a breath of fresh air — like walking into Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave and seeing the same cracked watering can you’ve been eyeballing for months.
Why Does This Cast Work So Damn Well?
Here’s the thing about the Poor Things cast: it’s not just the individual talent. It’s their chemistry. You can tell these folks either vibe well or spent weeks learning to fake it, and honestly? It doesn’t matter either way—it just works.
- Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe have this push-and-pull thing that’s like a soap opera you can’t stop watching.
- The supporting cast brings a mix of humor, tension, and heart that keeps you hooked.
Oh, and about the chemistry tests? Heard from a buddy who knows a guy that Emma and Willem took one look at each other and said, “Yeah, this is gonna be good.”
Character Spotlight: Bella Baxter’s Wild Ride
Bella’s character is the glue of the story, and Stone’s performance makes her so real you forget she’s not a real person (until you try to copy her haircut and fail miserably).
- Bella’s journey is wild, emotional, and at times downright confusing—in a good way.
- Fun tidbit: Victorian-era fans believed talking to plants helped with sanity. I kinda get that; I talk to my begonias when I’m stressed. Bella’s like that, but with actual existential crises.
Her relationship with Dr. Baxter? Complex doesn’t even begin to cover it. Imagine trying to parent your own Frankenstein—awkward is an understatement.
Dr. Godwin Baxter: The Mad Scientist with Layers
Dafoe’s Baxter is more than a mad scientist stereotype. He’s equal parts genius, monster, and misunderstood artist. I found myself rooting for him even when he was being… well, morally questionable.
- I kept wondering: is he a villain or just a guy trying way too hard?
- His relationship with Bella is like watching a slow-burning fuse about to ignite.
Behind the Scenes: How This All Came Together
Casting the Poor Things cast wasn’t a walk in the park. I heard they ran like a dozen chemistry tests just to make sure the main actors could handle the story’s weird emotional rollercoaster.
- I imagine those casting meetings were like speed dating but with a lot more existential dread.
- The actors did homework, too—Emma Stone apparently buried herself in old scientific journals and philosophical essays. I tried reading one once. Got three pages in and my brain fizzled.
What The Fans Are Saying
The buzz? It’s wild. People aren’t just liking the movie—they’re obsessed.
- Emma Stone’s Bella has sparked fan theories that rival Inception’s complexity.
- Critics praise Willem Dafoe’s electric performance.
- My neighbor Tina swears the film’s blend of humor and heart cured her Zoom fatigue. She’s not alone.
The Quick n’ Dirty Poor Things Cast List
| Actor | Character |
| Emma Stone | Bella Baxter |
| Willem Dafoe | Dr. Godwin Baxter |
| Mark Ruffalo | Duncan Wedderburn |
| Jerrod Carmichael | Archibald McCandless |
| Ramy Youssef | Dr. Godwin’s Assistant |
Anyway, Here’s The Kicker
The Poor Things cast isn’t just a group of actors reading lines. They’re a team that breathes life, weirdness, and heart into a story that’s as unpredictable as my attempts at growing anything green (trust me, it’s bad).
If you want a movie with a cast that’s as wild as the story they tell, this one’s for you. Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and the whole crew deliver performances that stick with you long after the credits roll.