A few years afterMarriage Story,Noah Baumbachis back with another Netflix project that stars two of his frequent collaborators. The screenplay writer and director’s latest film,White Noise, is an adaptation of the satirical 1985 novel of the same name byDon DeLillo.The story is centered on a controversial university professor and his dysfunctional family as they face a series of challenges after their town is hit by airborne toxic waste.White Noisehad itsdebut at the Venice Film Festival in August, and it was then screened at the New York Film Festival. Months after its premiere during the festival season, Baumbach’s adaptation to the screen will finally land on Netflix on August 24, 2025. Given that a few noteworthy names are included in its cast, here is a handy guide to the main characters and lead actors you’ll get to see in this highly-anticipated project.
Related:Listen to Danny Elfman’s Complete ‘White Noise’ Soundtrack
Adam Driveras Jack
Jack is a university professor who has made a name for himself as an expert on Hitler. While life seems easy-going, an airborne toxic event hits his university town and turns things upside down. Given this catastrophic situation, Jack must take care of his family to ensure that they keep safe despite the circumstances. Another important aspect of this character that is worth noting is his incessant fear of death.
This role marksAdam Driver’s fifth collaboration with Noah Baumbach. His previous work in Baumbach’sMarriage Storygot the actor his second Oscar nomination. Before he garnered attention on screen for his supporting role oppositeLena DunhaminGirls, Driver was also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.White Noiseis the second time that Driver works with co-starGreta Gerwig. The two were in the cast ofFrances Ha,another film that was directed by Baumbach.
Greta Gerwig as Babette
Babette is Jack’s fourth wife, and he is her fourth husband. As a mother/stepmother of four, Babette has a tight daily routine teaching posture to the elderly and taking care of everything at home. She also hides a dark secret, which is later unraveled after the chaotic aftermath of the airborne toxic event. Like Jack, Babette is also mortified by death and would do anything to continue living.
Actress, screenplay writer, and director Greta Gerwig returns to acting inWhite Noise. The last time that Gerwig was in front of the camera was inWes Anderson’s 2018 filmIsle of Dogs. Lately, she has been acknowledged for her directorial and screenwriting efforts inLady Birdand the 2019 adaptation ofLittle Women. In the same way that Driver has worked with Baumbach multiple times prior to this Netflix original, Gerwig is also a frequent collaborator with the director/screenwriter, whom she has been in a relationship with since 2011. They worked together inGreenberg,Frances Ha, andMistress America. Next year, the duo is set to release their next anticipated project, thelive-actionBarbiemovie.
Raffey Cassidyas Denise
Denise is Babette’s daughter from her second marriage. Since she is the eldest child in Babette and Jack’s joint family, she is very stubborn and preoccupied. This even leads her to confront her mother multiple times in an attempt to uncover her dark secret.
Raffey Cassidyplays Denise inWhite Noiseand the young actress has been in the industry for quite some time now. Her first prominent appearance in a film was inSnow White and The Hunstman, oppositeCharlize TheronandKirsten Stewart. Since then, she’s acted inDark Shadows,Tomorrowland, andThe Killing of the Sacred Deer. In an interview withThe Upcoming, Cassidy revealed she had a wonderful time working with Baumbach and the cast in the making ofWhite Noise:“I was confident in Noah as a director, so it was kind of an enjoyable ride for me. I had the best time, the cast was amazing, crew was amazing, so was all just fun and games.”
Related:Greta Gerwig Reveals She Didn’t Think She’d Get The Chance to Play Babette in ‘White Noise’
Sam Nivola as Heinrich
Heinrich is one of Jack’s children from his previous marriages, and he is the most pessimistic and analytical family member when it comes to the catastrophe that hits their town. As his family tries to keep it together, he is the first one to be cautious about the possible repercussions that they might face from the toxic waste emissions.Sam Nivolais an emerging actor whose previous credits were in the seriesDoll and Emand in one of the short films featured inWith In. Viewers can see him next inMaestroandEileen, both films that are set to release in 2023.
May Nivola as Steffie
Steffie is Jack’s daughter with his third wife, and she is very sensitive towards the chaotic aftermath of the explosion. Whenever she notices that bad news lies ahead, Steffie becomes emotional and curious to know how her family will handle these challenges.May Nivolanot only plays Sam Nivola’s sibling inWhite Noise, but she is also his sibling in real life. The young actress also participated in a short film featured inWith In.
Don Cheadleas Murray
Murray is another professor at the university where Jack teaches. In the same way that Jack is an expert in Hitler studies, Murray is passionate about popular culture and this translates to his academic career. It is needless to say thatDon Cheadleis a well-established actor in Hollywood. Having won various accolades through the years, including two Grammys and two Golden Globes, Cheadle is one of the few black actors to be nominated for the EGOT (the four major American awards, which are the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and the Tonys). He began his career in the late 80s withHamburger HillandColorsand continued to garner recognition through his roles inBoogie Nights,Hotel Rwanda, and theIron Manfranchise. Marvel fans are currently waiting with bated breath to see Cheadle return to the MCU with the upcoming movieArmor Wars, currently set to begin filming in 2023.
Dean and Henry Moore as Wilder
Wilder is the youngest kid and the only child from Jack and Babette’s union, and he is a toddler. Given his age, he isn’t as aware of what is happening as the rest of his family. TwinsDeanandHenry Mooretake turns playing Wilder in the Netflix film and this marks their on-screen debut.
Apart from these actors,White Noisealso featuresAndré Benjaminas Elliot Lasher,Jodie Turner-Smithas Winnie Richards,Lars Eidingeras Arlo Shell, andChloe Finemanas Simuvac Technician.
