The Hand That Rocks the Cradle cast features Maika Monroe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Raúl Castillo. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Michelle Garza Cervera’s 2025 Hulu movie on Disney+ and HBO Max. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle explores the relationship between a female attorney and her mysterious nanny. After Polly gives birth to her second child, she reaches out to a former acquaintance for help. The narrative follows the main protagonists as they strategize against each other. Here’s every actor and character in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, a remake of Curtis Hanson’s 1992 film.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Weapons’

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Cast: Maika Monroe as Polly Murphy

Character Profile: A nanny. She is a queer woman from Boyle Heights. Polly plays nice with her employer but secretly manipulates the woman’s family.

Monroe’s Resume: Jay Height in It Follows (2014), Patricia Whitmore in Independence Day: Resurgence(2016), Clare in The Stranger (2020), Julia in Watcher (2022), Lee Harker in Longlegs (2024)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Monkey’

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Caitlin Morales

Character Profile: A married attorney. She hires a nanny after giving birth to her second daughter. Caitlin suggests that she’s sexually attracted to Polly.

Winstead’s Resume: Wendy Christensen in Final Destination 3 (2006), Lee in Death Proof (2007), Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Michelle in 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), Helena Bertinelli/The Huntress in Birds of Prey (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Death of a Unicorn’

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Cast: Raúl Castillo as Miguel Morales

Character Profile: Caitlin’s husband. He worries about his wife’s history of mental health issues. Miguel develops a bond with Polly.

Castillo’s Resume: Richie Donado Ventura in Looking (2014-15), Nick in Atypical (2017-18), Mikey Guzman in Army of the Dead (2021), Jay Perez in Night Teeth (2021), Cliff in Task (2025)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Bring Her Back’

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Cast: Martin Starr as Stewart

Character Profile: Caitlin and Miguel’s friend. He is a married Silver Lake resident. Stewart investigates Polly and subsequently finds trouble.

Starr’s Resume: Bill Haverchuck in Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000), Martin in Knocked Up (2007), Roman DeBeers in Party Down (2009-10), Bertram Gilfoyle in Silicon Valley (2014-19), Bodhi in Tulsa King (2022-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Sinners’

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle cast also includes:

• Mileiah Vega as Emma Morales
• Nora Contreras as Josie Morales
• Lola Contreras as Josie Morales
• Yvette Lu as Amelia
• Riki Lindhome as Bethany
• Shannon Cochran as Rosanna
• Arabella Olivia Clark as Young Polly
• Avery Tiiu Essex as Young Caitlin
• Zale Morris as Henry
• Elena Campbell-Martinez as Marta Morales
• Rafael Sigler as Javi Morales

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.