Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

As a lifelong admirer of period dramas, I must say that the cast for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is nothing short of extraordinary! Timothy Spall, with his remarkable range and versatility, has graced our screens in numerous roles, from Mike Leigh’s seminal works to the Harry Potter franchise. His portrayal of the Duke of Norfolk promises to be a tour de force, much like his transformative performance as Pieter in Secrets & Lies.


It’s been years in the making but we are finally getting Wolf Hall season 2.

At last, the official date for the show’s comeback has been announced, and we also have a sneak peek of the opening trailer.

The critically acclaimed BBC series is coming back for a follow-up season, inspired by the third book in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell series, titled “The Mirror and the Light,” and we’ve received some exclusive sneak peeks.

Moving on directly from Wolf Hall’s conclusion, the official summary for the sequel goes like this: “May 1536 marks the demise of Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second wife. Amidst the carnage, Thomas Cromwell rises further in power and wealth. Meanwhile, Henry, his formidable ruler, finds brief joy with his third queen, Jane Seymour.

In a ruthless and violent era, Cromwell – without the backing of a powerful family or a personal army – finds himself in a moral quandary as he strives to balance his sense of righteousness with the need for survival. Following Henry VIII’s execution of his queen, no one can feel completely secure.

Here’s the full confirmed cast for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: List of characters in The Mirror and the Light

The following cast members have been confirmed for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.

  • Sir Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell
  • Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII of England
  • Sir Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Thomas Wolsey
  • Kate Phillips as Jane Seymour, Queen of England
  • Lilit Lesser as The Lady Mary
  • Dame Harriet Walter as Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury
  • Harry Melling as Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton
  • Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Rafe Saddler
  • Timothy Spall as Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk
  • Alex Jennings as Bishop Stephen Gardiner
  • Charlie Rowe as Gregory Cromwell
  • Lydia Leonard as Lady Jane Rochford
  • Joss Porter as Richard Cromwell
  • James Larkin as Master Treasurer Fitzwilliam
  • Richard Dillane as Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk
  • Will Keen as Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury
  • Hannah Steele as Mary Shelton
  • Paul Clayton as  Sir William Kingston
  • Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Bess Oughtred
  • Corentin Fila as Christophe
  • Tom Mothersdale as Richard Riche
  • Karim Kadjar as Eustache Chapuys
  • Lucy Russell as Lady Anne Shelton
  • Will Tudor as Edward Seymour
  • Viola Prettejohn as Mary Fitzroy
  • Thomas Arnold as Hans Holbein
  • Jordan Kouamé as Martin The Gaoler
  • Agnes O’Casey as Lady Margaret Douglas
  • Cecilia Appiah as Nan Seymour
  • Ellie de Lange as Jenneke
  • Hubert Burton as Thomas Howard the Lesser
  • Pip Carter as Sir Geoffrey Pole
  • Josef Altin as Thomas Avery
  • Sarah Priddy as Lady Margery Seymour
  • Hannah Khalique-Brown as Dorothea
  • Amir El-Masry as Thomas Wyatt
  • Didier Vinson as Castillon
  • German Segal as Olisleger
  • Summer Richards as Catherine Howard
  • Dana Herfurth as Anne of Cleves, Queen of England

Here is all you need to know about the major players in the drama.

Sir Mark Rylance plays Thomas Cromwell

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Thomas Cromwell, recently promoted following Anne Boleyn’s execution, is an ambitious and politically astute figure who has risen through the ranks to become King Henry VIII’s chief advisor. He pushes forward with reforms both socially and politically. Yet, his growing influence attracts numerous adversaries, and it remains challenging for any individual to maintain favor with such a volatile king for an extended period.

Have you encountered Mark Rylance in any other productions besides Wolf Hall? This versatile actor, who has garnered an Oscar, three BAFTAs, two Oliviers, and three Tonys, is also known for his roles in movies such as Bridge of Spies, Ready Player One, Dunkirk, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Don’t Look Up, Bones and All, and The Outfit.

Damian Lewis plays King Henry VIII of England

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Who is Henry VIII, the notoriously changeable king, currently married to his third wife Jane Seymour and in favor of further reforming the Church of England? Might his unpredictable nature eventually lead him to turn against Thomas Cromwell, as he did with Cardinal Wolsey and Anne Boleyn before him?

Have you recognized Damian Lewis from any other shows or movies besides Band of Brothers, Homeland, Billions, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?

Kate Phillips plays Jane Seymour, Queen of England

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

What is Jane Seymour known as? Jane Seymour is Henry VIII’s third wife and queen consort, who was once a discreet yet astute ally to Thomas Cromwell. Previously, Cromwell had expressed interest in her. However, will Jane repeat the mistakes of her predecessor by challenging the King? Regrettably, more tragedy seems to await the new queen…

Have you recognized Kate Phillips from any other productions aside from Wolf Hall? She is most famously known for her performances as Linda Shelby in Peaky Blinders, in Miss Scarlet and the Duke, The Crown, War & Peace, and the movie Downton Abbey: A New Era.

Lilit Lesser plays The Lady Mary

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Who is Mary Tudor, the eldest daughter of King Henry VIII? Once known as Princess Mary, she was declared a bastard after Henry VIII broke from the Roman Catholic Church and annulled his marriage to his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. As her father’s relationship with Jane Seymour grew, politically marginalized Mary found herself back at court once more.

Have you encountered Lilit Lesser anywhere else, apart from her roles as Medusa Deluxe or Domina? She is the daughter of actor Anton Lesser, renowned for playing Sir Thomas More in Wolf Hall.

Sir Jonathan Pryce plays Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Who was Cardinal Thomas Wolsey? He served as the main advisor to King Henry VIII and acted as a mentor to Thomas Cromwell. Despite dying in disrepute, his legacy lingers on, causing distress to his faithful follower and future successor, Cromwell.

Have you recognized Jonathan Pryce from any other films or shows? This accomplished Welsh actor has earned two Olivier Awards and two Tony Awards, among many other accolades. He’s been featured in notable movies such as Brazil, Pirates of the Caribbean, Evita, Tomorrow Never Dies, The Age of Innocence, and The Two Popes, to mention a few. More recently, he portrayed Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during the last seasons of The Crown on TV.

Dame Harriet Walter plays Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Who is Margaret Pole? She is a first cousin of King Henry VIII’s mother and carries the noble Plantagenet bloodline. Known as Lady Pole, she holds a significant position in the Tudor court due to her conservative nature and unwavering loyalty towards Lady Mary.

Have you recognized Harriet Walter from any other productions? She is a renowned actress who has made significant appearances on both stage and screen. Some of her notable TV roles include Law & Order: UK, Downton Abbey, London Spy, The Crown, Patrick Melrose, Succession, The Spanish Princess, Killing Eve, Ted Lasso, and Silo.

Harry Melling plays Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Who is Thomas Wriothesley, one might ask? He is a skilled political figure who served King Henry VIII, particularly in relation to the Reformation and his subsequent marriage arrangements.

Have you recognized Harry Melling from any other productions? Following his memorable portrayal as Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter series, Melling has also gained fame for his acting roles such as Harry Beltik in The Queen’s Gambit, as well as appearing in films like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Tragedy of Macbeth, The Devil All The Time, and The Pale Blue Eye.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster plays Rafe Saddler

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Who is Rafe Saddler? He’s the faithful page, stand-in son, and aide who comes back to work under the guidance of Thomas Cromwell once more.

Have you recognized Thomas Brodie-Sangster from any other movies or TV shows apart from Love Actually, Nanny McPhee, Game of Thrones, The Maze Runner series, Bright Star, Nowhere Boy, Accused, Godless, and The Queen’s Gambit?

Timothy Spall plays Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

The Duke of Norfolk, a prominent political figure, has once again found favor at the Tudor court. He is known for his vocal role in the court and was Anne Boleyn’s outspoken uncle, playing a significant part in her rise, only to later turn against her.

The role was portrayed by the late Bernard Hill in the first run of Wolf Hall.

Have you recognized Timothy Spall from any other movies or TV shows? He’s best known for his collaborations with director Mike Leigh (Home Sweet Home, Life is Sweet, Secrets & Lies, Topsy-Turvy, All or Nothing, and Mr. Turner), the Harry Potter film series, Hamlet (1996), Still Crazy, Nicholas Nickleby, The Last Samurai, Enchanted, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Damned United, The King’s Speech, Ginger and Rosa, Denial, The Party, and Spencer.

Alex Jennings plays Bishop Stephen Gardiner

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

You might rephrase the sentence as follows: “Who is Stephen Gardiner, a conservative and cunning church official known for his antagonism towards Thomas Cromwell?

The role was portrayed by Mark Gatiss in the first run of Wolf Hall.

Have you noticed Alex Jennings in any other productions? He’s a three-time Olivier Award winner and has appeared in movies like The Wings of the Dove, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Babel, Belle, The Lady in the Van, as well as TV shows such as The Crown, Victoria, A Very English Scandal, and Small Axe: Mangrove.

Charlie Rowe plays Gregory Cromwell

Wolf Hall season 2 cast: Full list of characters in The Mirror and the Light

Who is Gregory Cromwell, you ask? He’s the sole son and inheritor of Thomas Cromwell, a man who rose in power alongside his father. Gregory was set to wed Bess Oughtred, the widowed sister of Jane Seymour, at one point.

The role was portrayed by Tom Holland in the first run of Wolf Hall.

Have you recognized Charlie Rowe from any other films or shows? He’s particularly famous for his appearances in Never Let Me Go, The Boat That Rocked, The Golden Compass, the movie Neverland (predecessor to Peter Pan), and the medical comedy-drama TV series Red Band Society.

Initially, Rowe was thought to be a possible candidate for the role of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, a part eventually played by Tom Holland, who had previously acted as Thomas Cromwell in ‘Wolf Hall’.

Mark my words, folks! Prepare for an unmissable cinematic event as I guide you through the captivating world of “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light,” airing exclusively on BBC One and iPlayer this coming Sunday, the 10th of November at 9pm. Get ready to delve deep into the intricate tapestry of Tudor England!

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2024-10-31 17:14