Imagine having the ability to know when someone is lying to your face–that is exactly what the Peacock series Poker Face is about. Charlie Cale, played by Natasha Lyonne, has the ability to figure out when people lie. A mysterious death leads to her being chased by the criminal and powerful casino owner Sterling Frost Jr., played by none other than the Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody.
What is surprising is everywhere Cale turns up, she finds herself in the middle of a murder, no matter how off-the-grid she tries to be. In each new town she stumbles across, there is a whole bunch of new cast and a fresh scene of murder. Luckily for her, she uses her lie-detecting ability to solve these crimes, while constantly trying to stay under the radar of Frost Jr.
The show ended the first season in 2023, and now, after more than a year, Peacock is set to bring back Cale and her beat-up Baracuda for more adventures and crime-solving adventures. Season 1 had a detective formula with a modern twist, all while looking stylish; Season 2, which is set to release on May 8, is expected to raise the stakes even higher. Some familiar faces will be returning for the ride, and as expected, there’s a fresh lineup of A-list guest stars ready to bring more chaos, charm, and mystery to the road trip.
So who’s back? And who’s new? Let’s take a look at every confirmed actor appearing in Season 2.
1 Awkwafina
Nora Lum is an American actress who shines in the field of comedy and, surprisingly, at rapping. She is professionally known as Awkwafina–sounds like the water brand Aquafina, right? That is because it is the water brand. She changed her name when she was 16, with the idea of combining the word “Awkward” with the brand “Aquafina,” and it looks like the name stuck with her.
She is an energetic actress and has a magnetic screen presence. She first gained attention for her rapping career, and her music videos were filled with satirical humor and auto-tune, which really helped in showing her free-spirited and humorous side. After her videos spread like wildfire, she came under the radar of big-screen movie makers, which means larger projects to showcase her talent. She got her breakout role in comedic movies like Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8.
She also showed her dramatic side in the tragicomedy film Farewell, which stunned the critics and earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, the first woman of Asian descent to do so. She won the hearts of many and soon became one of the most in-demand actresses. Her glimpse in the new season is already creating buzz, and we can’t wait to see what kind of offbeat character she’ll bring to the show’s murder-filled road trip.
2 Giancarlo Esposito
Watching this man is like watching art in the making. His screen presence is like no other. His involvement in the second season is already turning heads. He is widely known for his performance as Gus Fring–a stone-cold killer and a calculated drug kingpin in both Breaking Bad and its prequel Better Call Saul. That role earned him multiple Emmy nominations and cemented his status as one of television’s most iconic villains.
Giancarlo Esposito’s role still makes people wet their pants if they ever come across him at the airport. Apart from leaving his mark in the world of series, he has also managed to make a name for himself on the big screen. Till now, he has acted in movies like Do the Right Thing, The Usual Suspects, and Ali. Recently, he became the go-to for high-stakes television dramas like The Mandalorian as Moff Gideon and in The Boys as the CEO Stan Edgar.
He was also a character in the popular video game franchise Far Cry. He was part of Far Cry 6 as Castilo. He is the perfect guy to mix both sophistication and menace, making him the right person for a murder show like Poker Face. He is set to make a guest appearance in the second season of the show, and there is no doubt that he will deliver a memorable performance.
3 John Cho
Another comedy actor who has established himself with comedic gold; John Cho is confirmed to guest star in Season 2, joining the show’s growing list of A-list stars, and it will be fun to see what he brings to the show. Over the years, he has proved that he is one of the most versatile actors, from playing Harold, a stoner who goes on an adventure chasing the perfect munchies, to a more serious role as a father who is looking for his missing daughter in Searching, he has done it all.
He gained a lot of attention after his role as Hikaru Sulu in J.J. Abrams’s Star Trek reboot trilogy. His performances gained him a lot of critical acclaim and paved the way for more Asian-American actors to take leading roles in Hollywood. With someone who has such an amazing screen presence and has done a wide range of roles, it would be interesting to see the type of role he will take up in Poker Face.
4 Richard Kind
There is not a chance in this world that someone who loves series and movies would not know about Richard Kind. He is the kind of guy to say yes to all and any role he gets to play. Although you won’t see him as the guy leading the show or a movie, he always ends up being one of the most interesting characters.
His breakout role was in Michael J. Fox’s TV series Spin City, but he did not stop there, as he continued to establish his legacy with roles in series like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Mad About You. His popular roles and his brilliant acting have also managed to come under the radar of the Coen Brothers and he has appeared in their films like A Serious Man and Inside Llewyn Davis, and most recently, he was also part of one of the most trending shows of recent times–Only Murders in the Building.
If you still feel like you haven’t seen him, there is a high chance that you might have heard his voice. Apart from delivering amazing performances in series and movies, he played a huge role in multiple Pixar movies as he voiced many characters, most notably Bing Bong in Inside Out and Molt in A Bug’s Life. He has always found ways to leave a lasting impression with his work. Now that he is announced as one of the guest stars, it would be fun to see what kind of role he brings to the table.
5 Carol Kane
A comedic legend known for her eccentric characters and instantly recognizable voice is set to guest star in the murder-fueled adventure series Poker Face, adding to the ever-growing list of A-list celebrities. Now in her 70s, she has managed to entertain fans for over half a century through her work in television and film, making her a fan favorite across generations.
Her film credits are legendary, ranging from The Princess Bride, Scrooged, Dog Day Afternoon, and Annie Hall. Even after 50 years in the industry, nothing can stop her, as she charmed a whole new generation of viewers with her role in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Sisters Brothers, and as Pelia in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in Hester Street (1975) and won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her work as Simka Dahblitz on the beloved sitcom Taxi.
Knowing that Poker Face has a thing for A-list celebrities who stand out, makes Carol Kane the perfect addition to the cast. With her ability to blend offbeat humor and mystery, her guest spot is guaranteed to steal the episode in which she is set to star.
6 Cynthia Erivo
Imagine bagging Tony, Emmy, and Grammy–that’s right, Cynthia Erivo has done it all, and managed to be one of the most respected talents of her generation. She got a taste of fame from her role as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, a performance that earned her the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, along with a Grammy and an Emmy.
Apart from her Broadway performance, she also delivered a fascinating performance as Harriet Tubman in Harriet (2019), which earned her Academy Award nominations for both Best Actress and Best Original Song. Moving forward to her 2024 film, she again got an Oscar nomination. There is no doubt that Erivo is a legend among her co-stars and can easily pull off a performance that will end up on the critically acclaimed list.
Like many legendary actors joining to be a part of the original Peacock show, Erivo will also be starring in it as it is officially confirmed that she will be part of Season 2 of Poker Face. While the creators have kept most details under a tight wrap, it is hard to tell what role she will play, but looking at her filmography, we know it will be a good one.
7 Corey Hawkins
Hawkins is a Juilliard-trained actor who has a serious knack for dramatic flix and has managed to build an impressive resume across movies, television, and stage. He has acted in high-profile projects like 24: Legacy, The Walking Dead, and Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman.
But you might know him best for playing the amazing MC and producer Dr. Dre from Straight Outta Compton, a performance that catapulted his career to new heights, and from there he continued to take on high-profile movies. More recently, Hawkins showcased his musical and dramatic range in In the Heights and starred in The Tragedy of Macbeth alongside Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand.
It is evident that whatever role he takes up, he brings a commanding presence to it, so when it was announced that Hawkins is lined up as a guest star in Season 2, continuing Poker Face’s tradition of casting top-tier talent, it turned a lot of heads–now we can only wait for what he has to bring to the table.
8 Simon Helberg
Helberg is set to appear as a guest star in Poker Face Season 2, bringing his unique blend of comedic timing with drama, making it the perfect recipe for the series. If you have no clue who he is just by reading his name, don’t worry, a quick description will fuel your memories of the amazing projects he has been part of.
Simon Helberg is the nerdy MIT graduate engineer, who always wears a dicky and has a collection of belts, and is always finding creative ways to woo the ladies, which often doesn’t end well for him–he is the legendary Howard Wolfowitz from Big Bang Theory, one of the most celebrated and biggest sitcoms of this generation. Now, this might be the role most know him as, but that did not stop him from building a diverse and impressive career far beyond the sitcom world.
His work on The Big Bang Theory earned him widespread recognition and a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the collective cast. However, it was his breakout role in Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) that truly showed his range. Alongside Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, Helberg plays a concert pianist. Now with his background in both comedy and music and a knack for quirky, Helberg feels like the perfect guy to match Poker Face‘s murder-of-the-week formula.
9 Taylor Schilling
Schilling established herself as a household name after her role as Piper Chapman in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. It was around the time when Netflix was still finding its rhythm with television series, and her complex and often frustrating character helped pull in the viewers to pave the way for streaming TV, making her one of Netflix’s first true breakout stars.
Apart from Orange, Schilling has shown an impressive range as she played the lead in the romantic drama The Lucky, alongside Zac Efron. She has also taken up a nail-bitingly chilling role in the psychological horror film The Prodigy. Now that she is confirmed to guest star in Poker Face, you should also know that she is not new to limited series and guest roles.
Her appearance in Poker Face is expected to bring the same emotional tension and realism that she is known for. A lot of fans are excited to see her in the series and to see what she brings to an already excellent show.
10 Jason Ritter
One of the chillest and laid-back guys in Hollywood, Jason Ritter is an amazing actor and an even better voice actor. Seriously, he can pull off some insane stuff without breaking a sweat when it comes to voice acting. The son of the late comedy legend John Ritter, Jason has built a reputation as a talented and reliable actor.
He is charming, and sincere, and has qualities that help people click with him naturally, and he can bring the same vibes to the roles he plays as well, bringing a unique vibe to the dramatic and comedic roles he ends up playing. He is best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Mark Cyr in NBC’s Parenthood, where his role as a high-school teacher was appreciated by many and was successfully able to bring emotional weight to the show. He has also had key roles in Joan of Arcadia, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, and Raising Dion.
While these are all great roles that helped to put him on the map, what many don’t know is that he is the voice actor behind Dipper Pines from Gravity Falls, one of the most loved Disney shows, and his quirky voice acting in the series just elevated the whole viewing experience.
With his Jim Carrey-type vibes and his quirky and unique screen presence, there is no doubt that he is going to kill it when he makes an appearance in Poker Face.
11 Sam Richardson
Remember the super-rich Nigerian in Ted Lasso who wanted to put together one of the best football teams in Africa and approached Ted’s team to buy Sam Obisanya? However, once he is rejected, he goes from being one of the sweetest guys to one of the most racist and salty guys in the Richmond office.
Well, looks like he is going to be part of the murder mystery series, and for a show that heavily relies on drama, quirky, and character-driven episodes, he will be the perfect fit. If you think Ted Lasso is his only notable achievement and does not seem to be the right fit, then get ready to be proved wrong.
He first gained major recognition for his role as the always-optimistic character Richard Splett on HBO’s Veep, a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination as part of the show’s complete cast. He is also the creator behind the cult favorite Detroiters, which is a hilarious Comedy Central series. He is funny, dramatic, and easily one of the best actors that would fit perfectly with the whole Poker Face vibes.
12 Rhea Perlman
She is one of those actors who is set to make a comeback from the first season; she did a cameo in the finale of Poker Face’s first season, playing the role of a casino owner who is also an underworld boss, Beatrix Hasp.
Her role in the series was to find Charlie and make her work for her, and despite getting a no for an answer from the runner, she might make a return to the second season as she is on a mission to hunt her down.
Even though her presence in the first season was limited to a phone call, it would be interesting to see her make an appearance in the show’s second season. Apart from her role in the series, she is a legend in the world of cinema and series. She has been part of the reel world since the 80s.
She is best known for her iconic portrayal of Carla Tortelli, the sharp-tongued waitress on the classic sitcom Cheers. Her performance earned her four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress and six Golden Globe nominations (The casting director is a real one for only taking legends in the series).
13 Haley Joel
To this day, not a lot of people know that Haley Joel has been relevant in the world of cinema way before most of us knew. Osment first gained fame as a child actor with his role as Forrest Gump’s son in Forrest Gump, which earned him a Young Artist Award.
However, his breakthrough performance came in M. Night Shyamalan’s movie The Sixth Sense, as a young boy who has the ability to communicate with ghosts; an interesting yet disturbing character, which ultimately earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His acting prowess stood out, and he started getting a lot of mainstream roles with great directors like Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi movie A.I. Artificial Intelligence.
Like most of the guest stars in the show, Haley Joel’s role is not confirmed yet, but his history of delivering stunning performances means we the viewers can expect something good.
14 B.J. Novak
Who would have thought the office romantic Ryan would go from causing mayhem at Dunder Mifflin in The Office, to killing Nazis in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and then come to become a part of one of the biggest shows of Peacock, Poker Face?
That’s right, Novak had a very diverse acting career and his range shines in Hollywood. While many know him as Ryan Howard from the American version of The Office, he wasn’t just an actor for the show but he also wrote many episodes, which earned him five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Beyond series, Novak has appeared in notable films such as Inglourious Basterds, Saving Mr. Banks, and The Founder.
He is a really talented person, and his acting as well as writing experience is expected to bring depth to whatever role he ends up playing for the show. Since his confirmation, it has turned many heads from fans as well who are curious to see what he brings to the table.
15 Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani is one of those actors who effortlessly brings charm and quirky comedic energy to every role, turning each character into an absolute gem—and now, he’s all set to bring that same energy to Poker Face Season 2 as a guest star. His deliveries are subtle and somewhat dry, a common formula seen in a lot of satirical movies and shows, and he does a bang-on job at capitalizing on it.
Kumail carved out a unique space for himself in Hollywood, not just as an actor but also as a writer and stand-up comedian. He first garnered a lot of attention through his role in the popular show Silicon Valley as Dinesh Chugtai, a role that gave him cult status among tech-comedy fans. However, it was the movie written by him, The Big Sick that threw him under the spotlight. The film earned him and his wife, Emily V. Gordon, an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, showing that he can be more than just the funny guy.
Whether he is going to deliver dry humor, play a tech guy, or offer something completely new in Poker Face, you can bet that he is going to bring something fresh and interesting.
16 John Mulaney
The stand-up comedian’s role in Poker Face marks a rare instance where he’ll showcase his acting side more than his comedic brilliance. Mulaney is a talented person who first gained prominence as a writer for Saturday Night Live, which went on for five years since 2008. During his stint, he created many notable characters including Stefon and Bill Hader.
Apart from his SNL contributions, he has done a lot of successful stand-up specials that left the audience holding onto their stomachs laughing. He has also won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Apart from his comedic brilliance, he has lent his voice to Spider-Ham in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
His addition to the list does stand out, for a series that is dedicated to hiring A-listers, and while he might not have a lot of acting experience, however, his prowess in writing and comedy can be a great advantage, only time will tell the type of role he is set to do.
17 Margo Martindale
If there is someone who can walk into a scene, say three words, and instantly steal the spotlight, that’s Margo Martindale for you, she has been killing it in Hollywood for decades. And now, she’s all set to bring the same energy to Poker Face Season 2.
She has played some of the most interesting characters in the cinema and series world. Her character on TV, Mags Bennett in Justified, won her an Emmy. And if you saw her play the stone-cold handler Claudia in The Americans, you already know she doesn’t just play a role—she lives it, and it is another role from there that has won her three Emmy Awards for that.
Her filmography is just as stacked. From August: Osage County to Million Dollar Baby to The Hours, she’s worked with some of the best in the biz and always leaves a mark, no matter how big or small the role. What makes her such a perfect fit is that the show relies on complex characters who can also pull off quirky, and that is literally Martindale’s specialty.
18 Melanie Lynskey
A brilliant actress who can pull off playing a quirky supporting role or leading an entire series, she can do it without breaking a sweat. Her appearance in Poker Face is bound to be a treat for fans who’ve followed her from her roles in indie to Emmy-nominated series. She first gained attention for her work alongside Kate Winslet, and since then, she has done a lot of projects that show her versatility.
Since then, she has acted as the stalking girl in Two and a Half Men and other shows like Togetherness to her recent performance in Yellowjackets, which was critically acclaimed. For someone who established herself as an actor that revolves around comedy, it was quite surprising that she can do drama, comedy, and everything in between.
With the show casting list filled with A-listers, it is nice to see someone who doesn’t have the same prowess get a chance as well.
19 Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes is officially stepping into the Poker Face universe, and fans are excited to see what she has to offer. By now it is clear that the show has not disclosed what roles will be played by which guest star, but we can take a hunch from the type of roles these actors have played in the past to get an idea of where they would shine.
She got her break-out role as Joey Potter in the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, she quickly became one of the most recognized faces on television in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. She, like most actors on the list, is quite versatile and can easily transition from doing teen heartthrob roles to dramatic ones. This can be seen in movies like Pieces of April, Thank You for Smoking, and Batman Begins, where she played Rachel Dawes, one of Bruce Wayne’s closest friends.
Her addition to Poker Face continues the show’s trend of casting familiar and talented actors, and with her calm screen presence balanced with her versatility, she can easily balance any mysterious roles the creators have to throw at her.
20 Gaby Hoffmann
Hoffmann is also a confirmed actor to star in Poker Face, a star who started her career as a child actor, and unlike most actors who started out as a kid and faded away, Hoffmann was here to stick. Her grounded and emotionally rich performances gained her a lot of attention in the ’90s films like Now and Then, Field of Dreams, and Sleepless in Seattle.
Very few actors who have made it as a kid transition into successful adult actors without difficulties. Hoffmann made a powerful return as an adult star, delivering critically acclaimed performances in shows like Transparent—which earned her multiple Emmy nominations. She has also been heavily involved in indie films and time and time again has proved her ability to pull off complex roles, which fits right with Poker Face’s requirements.
Her involvement is exciting because the show thrives on characters who bring something unique and gripping, which by now you must know is Hoffmann’s specialty.
21 Justin Theroux
Theroux is that guy who might not come off as the most popular actor, but once you go through his credits and filmography, it’s going to leave you wondering why he is not more popular. He has a magnetic presence in both movies and series, and he doesn’t just act—he completely disappears into the role that he plays. His diverse filmography ranges from writing credits on Tropic Thunder and Iron Man 2 to acting roles in Mulholland Drive, American Psycho, and The Girl on the Train.
On the small screen, he established himself as a notable actor with his haunting performance as Kevin Garvey in HBO’s The Leftovers, he completely submerged himself in that role, showcasing his dramatic range. However, let’s not just see him as the guy who does complex and emotional roles, he also has a knack for doing comedy, which he flexed in Parks and Recreation and The Spy Who Dumped Me.
Now he is heading to take on Poker Face Season 2, and it won’t be one of those rare appearances where you blink and miss his scene—he will apparently feature prominently in the season premiere, which only raises the bar of anticipation.
22 Lauren Tom
Now it is hard to say if you have seen her or paid attention to her career in movies and series, but there is no doubt that you must have at least heard her in some popular shows. She is an interesting character, and for people who have followed her voice work over the years, her announcement for casting in Poker Face will be a treat for them.
She’s best known for voicing characters like Amy Wong on Futurama and Minh Souphanousinphone on King of the Hill, both of which became cult favorites. However, let’s not limit her to voice roles, she is much more. She has acted in The Joy Luck Club, Friends, and Supernatural, proving she can jump easily between genres and formats without struggling.
What makes her a perfect fit for the role is the show’s need for actors who can bring nuance and subtle acting, which is something she does effortlessly.
23 Lili Taylor
She is one of those actors who surprisingly did not become the front or main characters but has always delivered performances that are powerful and emotionally layered. Maybe Poker Face will be able to give her the recognition that she deserves so much. She has been part of some of the most demanding and emotionally gripping movies and shows over the years.
She showcased her acting prowess in movies like I Shot Andy Warhol to The Conjuring to Mystic Pizza, projects that require a lot of emotional elements. She has also managed to get a lot of praise for her role in the HBO series Six Feet Under. She has also gotten Emmy nominations for her role in American Crime. Despite delivering stunning performances in such influential projects, she never really became the top actor.
There is a certain level of unpredictability in her acting, which is very evident in movies like The Conjuring, and it is a quality that aligns well with the mystery and tension side of Poker Face, and while her role is not confirmed yet, there is no doubt she is going to add weight to whatever she plays.
24 Cliff “Method Man” Smith
What started as a member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan turned into a legit career as an actor. He was one of the most iconic voices in the hip-hop scene, but over the years he grew himself into a more diverse career like acting. He has played it all, from tough guys to more charming and likable characters, with one of his standout recent performances being Davis MacLean in Power Book II: Ghost, where he plays a slick defense attorney.
While this is not the first time we see rappers in the field of acting—not all of them can crack into the market. From 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Will Smith, and Eminem, some make it big while others just get buried under their weight of music. Method Man is one of those who made it big and is continuing to grow his legacy. He has appeared in projects like The Wire, How High, Oz, and even had a part in The Deuce, showing off just how versatile he can be.
Now for someone who can play both intimidating and charismatic roles, it feels like he will fit right in with whatever role he gets in the second season of Poker Face.
25 Alia Shawkat
Alia Shawkat is joining the long list of incredible guest stars set to appear in Poker Face Season 2, and if there’s one thing you can expect from her, it’s a performance that’s anything but boring. She has made a career out of playing offbeat, complex, and deeply human characters, and her alignment with the murder mystery series feels like a match made for each other.
Most people know her best as Maeby Fünke from Arrested Development, where she absolutely kills it playing the sarcastic and snarky teenager. This role itself was enough to show her comedic knack, but that never stopped her from finding her next best thing, taking up roles that are not just funny but have emotional depth as well. The perfect example of this would be her role in Search Party, where she plays as someone who is drawn to a dark, twisted mystery, making it clear that she can also thrive in unpredictable stories.
Now that she is prepared to star in Poker Face, it would be interesting to see if she will be one of those who is involved in a scene of murder or become the victim herself in Poker Face Season 2.
