The Ballad of a Small Player cast features Colin Farrell, Fala Chen and Tilda Swinton. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Edward Berger’s 2025 Netflix movie. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Ballad of a Small Player focuses on an Irish gambler named Lord Doyle. As the antihero pursues financial opportunities in Macao, he crosses paths with an private investigator who represents an elderly theft victim. The narrative follows the main players as they find common ground while trying to resolve their conflict. Here’s every actor and character in Ballad of a Small Player, an adaptation of Lawrence Osborne’s 2014 novel The Ballad of a Small Player.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Night Always Comes’

Ballad of a Small Player Cast: Colin Farrell as Lord Doyle

Character Profile: An Irish gambler. He is an alcoholic who visits Macao after stealing money from a “rich old lady.” Lord Doyle attempts to make a deal with a private investigator while trying to win money to pay off debts.

Farrell’s Resume: Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice (2006), Ray in In Bruges (2008), David in The Lobster (2015), Oz/The Penguin in The Batman (2022), Oswald “Oz” Cobb in The Penguin (2024)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

Ballad of a Small Player Cast: Fala Chen as Dao Ming

Character Profile: A casino employee in Macao. She develops a bond with Lord Doyle. Dao Ming recalls dreaming of a better life after stealing money from her parents as a young woman.

Chen’s Resume: Eugene Sum in Will Power (2013), Qin Xiang in Sound of the Desert (2014), Jolene McCall in The Undoing (2020), Li in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), Cynthia Keng in Irma Vep (2022)

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

Ballad of a Small Player Cast: Tilda Swinton as Blithe

Character Profile: A private investigator for Huntsworth Investigations. She tracks down Lord Doyle in Macao. Blithe develops a bond with the focal antihero upon recognizing his seemingly genuine demeanor.

Swinton’s Resume: Karen Crowder in Michael Clayton (2007), Eva Khatchadourian in We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011), Mason in Snowpiercer (2013), Dr. Klemperer/Madame Blanc/Helena in Suspiria (2018), The Expert in The Killer (2023)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘A Widow’s Game’

Ballad of a Small Player Cast: Deanie Ip as Grandma

Character Profile: A gambler. She spends her philandering husband’s money. Grandma teases Lord Doyle and offers advice to him.

Ip’s Resume:  Shi-Yi/Baby in Dances with Dragon (1991), Inspector Lydia Wong in Fight Back to School II (1992), Mrs. Fat in Bun siu hai (1999), Ah Tao in A Simple Life (2011), Mrs. Fong in Our Time Will Come (2017)

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

Ballad of a Small Player Cast: Alex Jennings as Adrian Lippett

Character Profile: Lord Doyle’s associate. He muses about his English upper class background. Adrian secretly colludes with Blithe.

Jennings’ Resume: Prince Charles in The Queen (2006), Ken Clifford in Babel (2006), Alan Bennett in The Lady in the Van (2015), Andrew Aldridge in Four Weddings and a Funeral (2019),  Archie Hammond in MobLand (2025)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Ad Vitam’

The Ballad of a Small Player cast also includes:

• Anthony Wong as Alfred Da Souza
• Alan K. Chang as Bellman Kai
• Jason Tobin as Mr. Huang (Hotel Manager)
• Margaret Cheung as Royale Casino Assistant Manager
• Adrienne Lau as Rainbow Casino Manager
• Gary Fong as Centurion
• Ivan Poon as Floor Manager
• Marc Ngan as Floor Supervisor
• Selena Fong as Rainbow Casino Croupier/Dealer
• Christina Yong as Rainbow Casino Waitress

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