Based on the first novel ofSoman Chainani’s six-book series,The School for Good and Eviltells the story of two misfit best friends who get swept away into a fantasy world beyond the Endless Woods. Chainani wrote the story as a way to deviate from the classic male-centered storylines and focus on a female friendship that transcends labels and preconceived notions. In the dramatic, dreamy film, Sophie and Agatha find themselves attending the aptly named School for Good and Evil, a place where the true stories behind fables and fairytales begin. With enchanting twists and magical turns along the way, the two ladies attempt to find their happy endings while on opposing sides of a truly epic, magical battle.
Coming to Netflixthis week, this tale of duality and self-discovery is one that fantasy fans and fans of the novel alike can’t wait to be immersed in. Whether you’re a lover of the books and want to know who will portray your favorite character on screen, or you’re a fantasy fanatic looking to learn more about the characters of the newest magical realm to reach Netflix, you’ll find what you’re looking for on your epic journey through this article that details just who is an Ever and who is a Never inThe School for Good and Evil.
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Cate Blanchettas the Narrator
With a fairytale touch, the story ofThe School for Good and Evilwill bepresented with a narrating voice. This role will be taken on by actressCate Blanchett. Blanchett has lent her voice to many films and television series in the past. Most recently she has taken on a voice acting role in the upcoming stop animation filmGuillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio, in which the actressvoices Sprezzatura the monkey. Blanchett also has experience as a narrator. You may recognize her as the voice telling the story of thedark fantasy Netflix seriesSweet Tooth, which recentlywrapped filming on its second season.
Sophia Anne Carusoas Sophie
The pink-wearing, kind-hearted Sophie wants nothing more than to be kidnapped and live the life of a princess, but when the kidnapping actually takes place, things don’t go exactly to plan. Sophie simply can’t understand why she would be placed in the school of evil as a Never. Certain that there must have been a mistake, she will let nothing get in the way of reversing her fate, but that may mean changing who she is and turning on her closest friend. Sophie’s journey of self-discovery leads her on a path to find the darkness within.
Sophie will be portrayed bySophia Anne Caruso, whose personal style influenced her costume designs in the film. Caruso revealed in aninterviewthat she was able to have her costumes reflect not only her character but herself as an individual by working with the film’s design team prior to fitting. Audiences may recognize Caruso from her appearance in the documentaryDavid Bowie: The Last Five Years, which premiered back in 2017. More recently, theSmashactress has taken on the role of Emma in the television seriesEvil, a dramatic horror show found on Paramount+ with breathtaking visuals and creepy, demonic themes.
Sofia Wylieas Agatha
School of Good or School of Evil, it doesn’t really matter to odd, gloomy, grumpy Agatha who was kidnapped alongside Sophie and simply wishes that she and her friend could just go home. Living a lonely life with her cat as her closest companion, Agatha feels very out of place when swept away to the bustling School of Good as an Ever. Agatha goes on a powerful journey of self-discovery and self-love while within the fantasy realm.
ActressSofia Wyliedescribes her character as an outcast, who despite her grim beginning, is a caring and loving person. DuringNetflix Geeked Week, Wylie said that portraying Agatha and embodying the magic of her character was a dream come true. The real-life friendship between Wylie and Caruso shows through in their portrayal of the friends on screen. Wylie is recognizable from her many appearances in Nickelodeon and Disney Channel live series and films. Wylie began her acting career withNicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawnin 2017 alongsideThe Umbrella Academy’sAidan Gallagher. TheShookactress has also appeared in the MCU as Ironheart/ Riri Williams in 2019’sMarvel Rising: Initiation. These days Wylie can be seen appearing in her recurring role of Gina inHigh School Musical: The Musical: The Series, which is scheduled to continue through 2023.
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Charlize Theronas Lady Lesso
Lady Lesso is the dark and mysterious headmistress of the Nevers, who are the students of the School of Evil. As a teacher of all things cold and horrible and mentor of Sophie, Lady Lesso relishes in wickedness while maintaining a friendship with her School of Good counterpart, Clarissa Dovey. An intricate and intimidating woman, Lady Lesso is secretly courageous and kind. This secret softy character is very different from actressCharlize Theron’s previous fantasy film roles.
In the past, theMad Max: Fury Roadactress has taken on the fantasy role of Ravenna inSnow White and the Huntsman, as well asThe Huntsman: Winter’s War, along with roles in more futuristic and dark films such asPrometheus. In her role as Lady Lesso, Theron doesn’t have to be as serious and can find a bit of fun and comedy as the guarded witch.
Kerry Washingtonas Professor Dovey
Professor Dovey is the lovely lead teacher of the Evers, the students of the School of Good. This gentle and sweet educator plays an important role in Agatha’s journey, shepherding her toward the realization that she is more than what others paint her as.
Kerry Washington, who portrays Professor Dovey, is known for her role as Olivia Pope in the drama seriesScandal. DirectorPaul Feigreportedly knew when reading the script that he specifically wanted Washington for the role of the kind-hearted character, and lucky for the crew and audience alike, their scheduling worked out. This will be Washington’s first role in a magical fantasy film, having previously appeared in superhero projects such as the 2000sFantastic Fourmovies and theBlack Panthermotion comic/animated series.
Jamie Flatters as Tedros
Son of King Arthur, Tedros is the most handsome boy in the School for Good. Tedros may be the key to changing the girls' fates, but as fans of the book know, boys ruin everything. Will the girls choose love over friendship?
Up-and-coming actorJamie Flatterstakes on the role of the mysterious Tedros. Flatters is known for his recurring role as Owen inClose to Me, and as Luke Earlham in the seriesLiar. In 2020, he appeared in the historical drama filmThe Forgotten Battleas William Sinclair, a young man fighting for freedom in the Second World War. Coming up next for the actor, Flatters is set to appear as Neteyam in the highly anticipatedAvatar: The Way of Water, andAvatar 3, and is currently filmingAvatar 4, as well as a drama focusing on teenage grief titledBlack Dog.
Related:First ‘The School for Good and Evil’ Poster Showcases a Wickedly Divine Cast
Earl Caveas Hort
Slacker bad boy Hort, who has a bit of a crush on Sophie, might not be Never material, despite being the half-wolf son of Captain Hook. Cunning and intelligent, but also brave and helpful, Hort is different from other Nevers. Hort will be portrayed byEarl Cave, who is recognizable as the character Frodo in the intenseNetflix teen drama seriesThe End of the F***king World. Since the series’ first season concluded in 2017, Cave has taken on the recurring role of James in the action seriesAlex Riderand Young Tiberius in the historical dramaDomina.
Freya Parks as Hester
Hester is the daughter of The Candy Witch and a student at the School of Evil. Hester is a born leader and an ideal villain, though, while she may not show it, she can be caring and kind. Chainani stated it was hard to find the perfect actress for the role of Hester, due to her very specific brand of evil. The role of the equal parts cruel and kind Hester will be taken on byJane EyreactressFreya Parks, who is recognizable from her role as the barmaid in the 2012 film adaptation ofLes Misérables. Most recently, she portrayed the recurring character Amy Jessop in the comedy seriesHere We Go.
Kit Youngas Rafal
Rafal is said to be dark and dangerous, threatening to destroy the school and then the world. Perhaps Sophie, with whom he shares mysterious ties, will be able to stop him. Or not.
Kit Youngis known for his recurring role asJesper Fahey in the Netflix action seriesShadow and Bone. Later this year Young will appear inThe Beautiful Game, a film with a focus on homelessness.
Michelle Yeohas Professor Anemone
Michelle Yeohhas been in some great (and we do meangreat) movies in recent times, making her the perfect addition to this already star-studded cast. Yeoh plays Professor Anemone, a teacher at the School for Good who teaches a class called “Beautification”. you may find her encouraging the girls to put on a smile, accessorize and basically be the fairytale princess they’re being trained to be. A Malaysian actor, Michelle Yeoh has had a long and celebrated career on the silver screen. Most recently, you may have seen her in themultiverse-shattering A24 movieEverything Everywhere All at Once. The actor is also set to appear in a number of highly anticipated projects, includingAvatar: The Way of WaterandTransformers: Rise of the Beasts.
Laurence Fishburneas the School Master
In the book, the School Master is named Rafal, though in this film adaptation it appears that the role of School Master and Rafal has been split into two characters. Audiences will have to wait and see how this change plays out on screen.
Known around the world for hisMatrixcharacter Morpheus,Laurence Fishburnehas been staying quite busy in recent years. Set to appear as the School Master inThe School of Good and Evil, theBlack-ishactor will also be appearing in the upcomingJohn Wick: Chapter 4, and has several other projects currently in various stages of production, including a sci-fi film titledSlingshotwhich takes place in the orbit of Saturn’s moon Titan.
Apart from these talented actors,Ben Kingsley(Iron Man 3),Rob Delaney(Deadpool 2),Rachel Bloom(Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), andJoelle(Dune) will make appearances inThe School for Good and Evilalongside many others, though which characters they will portray is still a bit of a mystery. Don’t miss the movie when it hits Netflix, arriving on August 12, 2025.
