Director Sam Mendes came back to theater screens in 2022, following up his last movie, 1917, with Empire of Light. Throughout the years, the British director has become well-known for his movies, especially considering his debut was the hit American Beauty in 1999. Since then, he came out with another round of hits, including the James Bond movie Skyfall in 2012, Spectre in 2015, and then, in 2019, 1917. Like 1917, Empire of Light is a movie he directed, produced, and wrote, and despite the negative reviews and press the film has been getting upon its release, there is a love letter to cinema and the movies tucked inside its narrative arc.

Full of sweeping shots of the English countryside, where a coastal town lies nestled between the greenery and hills, Empire of Light takes place in the 1980s. Its protagonist is Hilary, an employee of the Empire Cinema whose job is to open the theater each day, and it is just a job to her until one day everything changes. A young Black man is hired to work there, and the two begin to bond and form a relationship the more they spend time together. Hilary has a lot of problems beneath the surface, though, and the drama slowly begins to ramp up throughout the movie’s run time. Here’s where you have seen Empire of Light’s cast before.

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Olivia Colman

     Netflix

For over two decades, Olivia Colman has continued to dominate with her movie selections. The actress first found her breakthrough with the British television show Peep Show, and would later appear on other shows like Fleabag and Heartstopper, which were fan favorites when released. Outside of her career on television, she recently gained acclaim for her appearance in The Favourite opposite Emma Stone. Some of her other most notable roles include 2021’s The Lost Daughter, Murder on the Orient Express, and The Lobster. A versatile actress, Colman has proved her talent repeatedly on the stage, on television, and in movies. She is currently slated to appear in the upcoming Wonka movie, 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Wicked Little Letters.

Micheal Ward

     Searchlight Pictures

In Empire of Light, Micheal Ward portrays Stephen, the young man who has just been hired to work at the cinema. Ward was born in Jamaica, but immigrated to England when he was only four years old, working at a Caribbean restaurant with his family members while growing up. As an actor, he was nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star for his appearance in Blue Story, which tells the story of two friends who get caught in gang violence. Ward also had roles in Charlize Theron’s The Old Guard and Netflix’s Beauty. He will soon be starring in Jeymes Samuel’s The Book of Clarence (via Screen Rant).

Colin Firth

     BBC

Colin Firth has been on a roll the past couple of years, but he had his start in the 1980s as a part of the Brit Pack. One of his more prominent early roles was in 1995 when he starred in the television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In that miniseries, he portrayed Mr. Darcy, considered to be one of the most romantic male love interests in English literature at that time. After taking on that role, he continued to appear in movies like Shakespeare in Love, Love Actually, and, in 2010, Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech. Most recently, he starred in the HBO show The Staircase, which landed him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He previously collaborated with Mendes in 1917.

Toby Jones

     Marvel Studios

Toby Jones portrays Norman in Empire of Light, but he began his career with the 90s movie Orlando. One of his most notable roles was in the Harry Potter franchise, where he voiced the beloved character of Dobby, and Claudius Templesmith in The Hunger Games franchise. This wasn’t his only experience in franchises: he also appeared in Marvel’s Captain America movies and Jurassic Park. Jones also has experience with television shows and theater. In the television world, he made appearances in Agent Carter in the MCU, Doctor Who, and the Titanic television series that debuted in 2012. Jones has upcoming credits in some big-name movies as well: Tetris, The Pale Blue Eye, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Tom Brooke

In Empire of Light, the character of Neil is portrayed by the British actor Tom Brooke. Brooke has had a fairly balanced career when it comes to appearing on television shows and movies. Some of his most notable movie credits include The Death of Stalin, where he portrayed Sergei, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, and Say Your Prayers. In 2009, he starred in The Boat That Rocked. On television, he appeared in episodes of shows like Bodyguard, The Crown, Preacher, Game of Thrones, and Sherlock. Outside the general entertainment industry, Brooke also pursues acting on the stage and has worked in several productions in England.