When someone searches for cast of No Good Deed, they might be referring to one of several productions: a 2014 thriller film, a 2002 crime drama film, or a more recent Netflix dark comedy series (2024). In this article, we’ll deep dive into all these versions, examine key cast members, characterize their roles, and compare across versions. We’ll also include behind-the-scenes insights, trivia, and answer common FAQs.
The phrase “no good deed” evokes the warning that acts of kindness sometimes backfire. Interestingly, that concept is a connective thread in all the works titled No Good Deed, whether in film or television. But what makes each version distinct is largely the casting—who portrays whom, and how those actors shape the tone, tension, or humor.
In this article, you’ll get an authoritative, in-depth look at the cast of No Good Deed across its incarnations. This approach supports Google’s E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, Trust) by grounding claims in reliable sources, quoting credits, and providing full context.
No Good Deed (2014 Film)
1 Overview
- Release Date: September 12, 2014
- Director: Sam Miller
- Writer: Aimée Lagos
- Genre: Psychological thriller / suspense
- Runtime: ~84 minutes
- Box Office: ~$54.3 million on a ~$13.2 million budget
Despite its tepid critical reception, No Good Deed struck a chord with audiences and was a financial success.
Plot Snapshot
Terri Granger (Taraji P. Henson) is a stay-at-home mom whose life is thrown into chaos when an escaped convict, Colin Evans (Idris Elba), shows up at her door under dubious pretense, eventually terrorizing her and her family. The film’s central tension: how far one can trust appearances, and how a single “good deed” can spiral into horror.
2 Principal Cast & Characters
Here is a breakdown of the leading cast and their roles in the 2014 film version:
| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Idris Elba | Colin Evans | The escaped convict whose quiet charm hides dangerous intent |
| Taraji P. Henson | Terri Granger | The female protagonist: mother, wife, and victim-turned-fighter |
| Leslie Bibb | Meg | Terri’s close friend who supports her in crisis |
| Kate del Castillo | Alexis | Colin’s ex-fiancée, a catalyst in the backstory |
| Henry Simmons | Jeffrey Granger | Terri’s husband, whose absence and secrets contribute to the tension |
| Mark Smith | EMT | Minor role — emergency responder |
| Wilbur Fitzgerald | Dr. Ross | Parole board member and authority figure in Colin’s hearing |
| Mirage Moonschein | Ryan Granger | Terri and Jeffrey’s daughter |
Some additional supporting cast appear in smaller or cameo roles.
2.3 Supporting Cast & Crew Notes
- The cinematography was handled by Michael Barrett.
- Editing by Randy Bricker.
- Music score by Paul Haslinger.
- The film was produced by Will Packer and Lee Clay.
2.4 Box Office, Reception & Legacy
Critically, No Good Deed received mixed to negative reviews, with some critics pointing out its formulaic plot and reliance on thriller tropes.
Yet it succeeded commercially, grossing over $54 million globally — over 4× its budget.
One of the lasting impacts is how the film has become a reference point for stories about intra-household terror — “letting in a stranger” as a central threat.
No Good Deed (2002 Film)
Though less prominent today, No Good Deed was also the title of a 2002 crime thriller.
1 Overview
- Release year: 2002
- Director: Bob Rafelson
- Genre: Crime thriller / suspense
- Notable as: Bob Rafelson’s final feature film, loosely adapted from a Dashiell Hammett short story.
2 Cast & Characters
The primary cast for the 2002 version includes:
| Actor | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel L. Jackson | Jack Friar | A detective who becomes entangled in a robbery plot |
| Milla Jovovich | Erin | A woman’s involvement in the robbery conspiracy and complicated relationship with Jack |
| Stellan Skarsgård | Tyrone Abernathy | One of the criminal figures in the operation |
| Doug Hutchison | Hoop | Criminal gang member |
| Joss Ackland | Mr. Thomas Quarre | Secondary role connected to the criminal plot |
| Grace Zabriskie | Mrs. Quarre | The wife of the Quarre character |
Compared to the 2014 version, the 2002 film is more ensemble-oriented in a crime setting, not household invasion.
3 Comparative Notes
- The 2002 film is rarely discussed today compared to the 2014 film or the Netflix series.
- Its tone is more grounded in crime thriller rather than psychological horror or dark comedy.
- Its cast (Jackson, Jovovich, Skarsgård) offers star power, but it did not leave a lasting franchise impact.
Because today’s popular query “cast of No Good Deed” likely refers to either the 2014 film or 2024 series, the 2002 version is usually of niche interest.
No Good Deed (2024 Netflix Series)
In 2024, Netflix released a fresh adaptation of the phrase — not as a thriller but as a dark comedy / black comedy / mystery — which has since drawn a lot of attention.
1 Overview & Premise
- Created by Liz Feldman for Netflix.
- Premiere Date: December 12, 2024
- Episodes: 8 episodes in Season 1
- Genre: Black comedy / mystery / drama
- Status: In July 2025, the series was placed on indefinite hiatus.
Story Premise
The series centers around three different families vying to buy the same 1920s Spanish-style villa in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, believing the house will solve their life’s problems. But what begins as a real estate competition slowly reveals dark secrets, betrayals, and existential stakes.
At its heart, the Morgans — Lydia (Lisa Kudrow) and Paul (Ray Romano) — are trying to hide something about their own home while multiple bidders circle around them.
2 Main Cast & Their Roles
Here is the principal cast of No Good Deed (2024) and a brief description of their roles:
| Actor | Role | Character Description / Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Kudrow | Lydia Morgan | A former concert pianist, wife of Paul, emotionally volatile and deeply attached to the house. |
| Ray Romano | Paul Morgan | Lydia’s husband, a contractor under financial strain, eager to sell their home but haunted by past decisions. |
| Linda Cardellini | Margo Starling | The Morgans’ neighbor, married to JD; ambitious and fiercely determined to claim the Morgans’ house. |
| Luke Wilson | JD Campbell | Margo’s husband, a former soap opera actor, somewhat adrift and trying to keep up with Margo’s scheming. |
| O-T Fagbenle | Dennis Sampson | Carla’s husband, author, and one of the competing buyers, with secrets of his own. |
| Teyonah Parris | Carla Owens | Dennis’s wife, pregnant, an architect, ambitious, navigating family expectations and tension. |
| Abbi Jacobson | Leslie Fisher | One half of a lesbian couple trying to buy the house; a former prosecutor. |
| Poppy Liu | Sarah Webber | Leslie’s wife, a doctor, grappling with infertility and moral dilemmas. |
| Denis Leary | Mikey Morgan | Paul’s estranged older brother, ex-con, who arrives with his own motives. |
This ensemble cast gives the show its dramatic tension, humor, and emotional complexity.
3 Recurring Cast & Guest Appearances
Beyond the main cast, several actors appear in recurring or guest roles, including:
- Matt Rogers as Greg Boycelane
- Katherine Moennig as Gwen Delvecchio
- Anna Maria Horsford as Denise Sampson
- Linda Lavin as Phyllis Adelman
- Kevin Alves as Nate Morgan
- Wyatt Aubrey as Jacob Morgan (deceased son)
These guest or recurring roles often seed plot twists and deeper backstory for the main ensemble.
4 Cast Dynamics, Highlights & Trivia
Here are some notable highlights, behind-the-scenes trivia, and remarks about the cast’s interplay:
- Improvisation & comedic moments: Luke Wilson revealed in an interview that a particularly quirky line from JD in Episode 5—“It’s a small world until they lose your luggage”—was improvisational and came via a funny anecdote passed down by his brother Owen Wilson.
- Dark character turns: Linda Cardellini’s Margo is described as manipulative, glamorous, and willing to go to extremes to secure the house. Her transformation over the season, especially in one climactic twist, earned attention in Vanity Fair.
- Critical reception and praise: The Guardian review praised Lisa Kudrow’s lead performance, calling her portrayal of Lydia the anchor that gives the often twisty plot emotional weight.
- Hiatus status: Despite decent reception and positive audience response (e.g., 80% on Rotten Tomatoes) No Good Deed was placed on indefinite hiatus in mid-2025, leaving fans uncertain about future seasons.
- Promotion & interviews: The cast participated in promotional interviews, including a cast roundtable with the show’s creator, Liz Feldman.
Comparison: Film vs Series — Cast and Tone
| Feature | 2014 Film | 2024 Netflix Series |
|---|---|---|
| Genre / Tone | Psychological thriller / home invasion | Black comedy / mystery / drama |
| Central Conflict | A stranger who invades a home | Multiple families battling for a home, secrets, betrayal |
| Key Star Power | Idris Elba, Taraji P. Henson | Lisa Kudrow, Ray Romano, Linda Cardellini, Luke Wilson, etc. |
| Ensemble vs Duo | Focused largely on Terri & Colin | Ensemble with intersecting storylines |
| Character arcs | Extreme survival scenario | Emotional journeys, relationship tension, moral ambiguity |
While the 2014 film is about immediate danger and survival, the 2024 series is more about relational and psychological pressure across multiple characters. The cast in the series is broader, more interconnected, and built for long-form storytelling.
Why the Cast Choices Matter
Choosing the right cast is pivotal for turning a script into a compelling story. In No Good Deed (2024), the casting of comedians and dramatic actors alike enables the tonal swing between absurd humor and genuine suspense. Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano provide both gravitas and comedic sympathy, anchoring the audience’s emotional investment. Meanwhile, supporting cast like Linda Cardellini and Luke Wilson bring unpredictability and tension. These casting decisions reinforce narrative trust: when an unexpected twist happens, you believe the characters involved, because of the actors’ credibility.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions related to cast of No Good Deed, along with detailed answers.
Q1: Who plays the lead in No Good Deed?
- 2014 film version: Idris Elba plays Colin Evans (the escaped convict) and Taraji P. Henson plays Terri Granger (the woman targeted).
- 2024 Netflix series: Lisa Kudrow (Lydia Morgan) and Ray Romano (Paul Morgan) are the central couple around whom much of the narrative revolves.
Q2: Is the cast the same between the film and the series?
No — they are entirely different castings. The film is a standalone thriller, while the series is a multi-character, morally complex dark comedy. The 2002 film is again separate.
Q3: Which version of No Good Deed is more popular?
As of now, the 2024 Netflix series has generated significant buzz, critical review, and audience engagement. Its ensemble cast and bingeability give it a modern traction that outpaces the 2014 film in current cultural conversation.
Q4: Why was the Netflix series put on hiatus?
The show was placed on indefinite hiatus in July 2025, though no official cancellation has been stated. It’s common for streaming platforms to review performance metrics, creative pipelines, and scheduling before deciding future seasons.
Q5: Are there crossover cast members or Easter eggs between versions?
No direct crossover of cast, since the versions differ in genre and continuity. But the title’s core theme — that good intentions can backfire — binds them thematically.
Q6: Where can I find more about the cast (film or show)?
- Film (2014): Visit the No Good Deed Wikipedia page Wikipedia or IMDb credits
- Series (2024): See the No Good Deed (TV series) Wikipedia entry Wikipedia or cast guides on streaming sites and entertainment media such as Deadline’s cast gallery Deadline
Conclusion & Call to Action
In summary, the cast of No Good Deed varies significantly depending on the version — from Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson leading the 2014 thriller, to a sprawling ensemble led by Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano in the 2024 Netflix series. Each version uses its cast to deliver a distinct emotional experience: terror and survival in the film, moral ambiguity and comedic suspense in the series.