The Marsh King’s Daughter cast: Who’s who in the new psychological thriller?
New psychological thriller film The Marsh King’s Daughter is one I’m definitely excited about! The interesting story has definitely captured my attention, even before the movie is out. I can’t wait to head to my local theater to check it out. The production begins playing Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 in cinemas. And you might be wondering which cast members you’re going to see.
The Marsh King’s Daughter stars Daisy Ridley, Ben Mendelsohn, Garrett Hedlund, and more. The story is mainly centered around Ridley’s character Helena, who’s the daughter of the man in the title. Who exactly is the Marsh King? We get into those details below. But first, here’s a quick look at the full cast list:
- Daisy Ridley as Helena Pelletier
- Brooklynn Prince as Young Helena Pelletier
- Ben Mendelsohn as Jacob Holbrook/Marsh King
- Garrett Hedlund as Helena’s husband Stephen Pelletier
- Joey Carson as Helena’s daughter Marigold Pelletier
- Caren Pistorius as Helena’s mother
- Gil Birmingham as Clark Bekkum
The movie is based on the 2017 book of the same name by author Karen Dion. There’s so many great stories that get adapted from page to screen! It always impresses me. Some of the cast’s names might sound familiar to you. Others, not so much. That’s ok! Below we share more info about the actors that you need to know.
Meet the cast of The Marsh King’s Daughter
The Marsh King’s Daughter is centered around Helena Pelletier, a woman who has a great life with her husband Stephen and young daughter Marigold, per the synopsis. But, she’s hiding a “dark secret within.” What’s that secret? Her dad is the “infamous Marsh King,” Jacob.
Before Helena was born, Jacob kidnapped her teen mother, and that’s how she came to be in this world. For 12 years, she lived in the wilderness with her father until he was caught and set behind bars. Now in the present, he’s escaped from prison and Helena doesn’t feel safe anymore. She fears that Jacob will come after her family. And so, she begins to “confront her secret past” and uses the knowledge he taught her to “hunt him down.” Will she be able to do it? We’re going to find out!
Daisy Ridley as Helena Pelletier
The main character at the center of this story is Helena Pelletier, played by actress Daisy Ridley. She’s living a wonderful life with her husband and daughter, but there’s a “dark secret” she’s hiding, per the synopsis. And that’s the fact that her dad is the “infamous Marsh King.” Before Helena was born, her father kidnapped her teen mom and that’s how she came into this world. After being behind bars for 12 years, her dad escapes prison and Helena feels like he’s going to come after her family. He taught her all she knows in the wilderness, and she’s going to use that knowledge to “hunt him down.”
Where have you seen her before?: Ridley is most known for her role as Rey in the the Star Wars sequel trilogy films: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. She also reprised her role in the series Star Wars Forces of Destiny. Some of her other projects are Murder on the Orient Express and Ophelia.
Social Media: Instagram
Ben Mendelsohn as Jacob Holbrook
Ben Mendelsohn takes on the role of Jacob Holbrook, aka the Marsh King. Aka Helena’s father. He kidnapped Helena’s mother when she was a teenager. And Helena is the “product of the relationship between captive and tormentor,” per the synopsis. He raises his daughter in a “carefully controlled” way for 12 years before he’s caught and sent to prison. But he finds a way to escape, and may be looking for a reunion with Helena. One she doesn’t want.
Where have you seen him before?: The Australian actor has been in many notable roles over the years including Director Orson Krennic in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Danny Rayburn in Bloodline, Sheriff of Nottingham in the 2018 film Robin Hood, King Henry IV in The King, John Daggett in The Dark Knight Rises, Talos in Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion, and Ralph Anderson in The Outsider.
Social Media: Instagram
Garrett Hedlund as Stephen Pelletier
Garrett Hedlund plays Helena’s husband, Stephen Pelletier. He doesn’t know about her secret past and who her parents really are. As the trailer reveals, his wife had told him her parents died in a fire. But now, he’s about to find out who they really are.
Where have you seen him before?: The actor has mostly taken on film roles like Patroclus in Troy, Jack “Jackie” Mercer in Four Brothers, Samuel “Sam” Flynn in Tron: Legacy, and Captain James Hook in the 2015 movie Pan. Most recently, you may have seen him as Mitch Keller in Tulsa King. He has an upcoming role as Garrett Montgomery in Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Social Media: Instagram
Joey Carson as Helena’s daughter, Marigold Pelletier
Young actress Joey Carson plays Helena and Stephen’s daughter, Marigold Pelletier. It’s the fear for her daughter that’s one of the main motivating factors for Helena to be one step ahead of her dad.
Where have you seen her before: Carson is still new to the industry. The Marsh King’s Daughter is only her second acting role. Her very first was Summer McGrath in House of Chains.
Social Media: X (Twitter)
Caren Pistorius as Helena’s mother
South African and New Zealand actress Caren Pistorius takes on the role of Helena’s mother. As a teen, she was kidnapped by Jacob (The Marsh King), which is how she came to have Helena. It’s unclear whether she’s alive and around in the present.
Where have you seen her before?: The actress is known as Rose Ross in Slow West, Laura Lorraine in Cargo, and Claire in High Ground.
Social Media: None
Gil Birmingham as Clark Bekkum
Gil Birmingham plays Clark Bekkum. Not much is known about his character yet. Based on promotional images, he seems to be a law enforcement officer. Maybe he’s one of the officers on the case, trying to track down Jacob after his escape.
Where have you seen him before?: Billy Black in the Twilight movies, Chief Sherman in Transformers: The Last Knight, Virgil in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Thomas Rainwater in Yellowstone.
The Marsh King’s Daughter begins playing in theaters Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
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