Netflix’s 'The Doll' Cast And Character Guide

Netflix’s The Doll is a modern(ish) retelling of the classic Polish novel “Lalka,” in a 6-part bingeable miniseries. The show centres not just around the male protagonist Stanislaw, but puts the focus on the inner turmoil faced by his “doll,” i.e. the person he loves, Izabela. The show is entertaining and fast-paced, maybe a little too much so at points, but it’s definitely worth your time. It takes you back to nineteenth century Poland and is a visual treat. Izabela and Stan’s story may have similar beats to others on the Netflix historical drama list, but the truth is, this story plays out quite differently from what we’re used to seeing on the platform, especially in the historical context. This conflicting angle is certainly hard to get right, and I think all the actors do a great job in The Doll. So, with that said, let’s jump into this cast and character guide of The Doll.

Sandra Drzymalska As Izabel Lecka

Sandra Drzymalska’s earliest credited role is in 2015’s Letters To Santa 2, and she’s since been in films like Amok, The Getaway King, and EO, and also played the titular role in Simona Kossak. In terms of shows, she was recently in Disney+’s The Breslau Murders, and has also been on shows like Mental, and The Teacher. Bela is the lead character on this show without a doubt. Sure, the book doesn’t paint her as such (from what I’ve heard about it), but the show focuses on her feelings, giving her much more of a role than Prus originally intended. She’s bold, very class-focused, and wants to be rich forever, but she’s still a feminist.

Tomasz Schuchardt As Stanislaw Wokulski

Tomasz Schuchardt got his start all the way back in 2007’s W stepie szerokim. He has been in films like Alpha Male, Doppelganger: The Double, Good Home, and Bodo, as well as shows like The Convict, Morderczynie, and Crusade. Stan is the protagonist of this show, but a lot of his traits don’t exactly say “leading man.” He’s brooding, yes, but he’s also genuinely frustrating when it comes to notions of love. At least he’s a good businessman, or so we think.

Jacek Braciak As Tomasz Lecki

Jacek Braciak has been in the industry since the 90s, appearing in a number of minor roles, though he really hit the big time with Edi in 2002, which got him his first Polish Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He’s also been in films like Rose, Clergy, and Leave No Traces. Tomasz is Bela’s father, but he’s mostly a man fallen from the beginning of this show. He’s a bit far gone, but I guess he does love his daughter, despite him giving away all her dowry for something he isn’t even sure about.

Dariusz Chojnacki As Ignac Rzecki

Dariusz Chojnacki’s first television role was in 2006’s Fala zbrodni, but he’s since been in other shows like Time Of Honor, Powrot, and Angel Of Death. He’s also been in movies like Mother’s Day, Leave No Traces, and Matylda. Ignac is Stan’s business partner and confidant. He’s got his own little love story in here which is quite sweet. He’s definitely the voice of reason amidst the two capitalists.

Maria Kania As Marianna

Maria Kania’s first credited role is in a short from 2010 called Nowhere. She has been in shows like Nieobecni, Motyw, and The Convict, and movies like Letters To Santa 4 and The Great Warsaw Race. Marianna is a maid by job description, but she’s a lot more as the show progresses. She’s got the most compelling story of the show, and though she has such a big role, the character is slightly underdeveloped because there just isn’t time to get into it. A disappointment, if you ask me, because she’s quite an intriguing character and, eventually, a friend to Bela.

Piotr Adamczyk As Baron Krzeszowski

Adamczyk is not just a television actor, but a stage and film actor too. He looks rather young to play a baron, but you’d never think so while watching the show. So that’s a job well done. You may have seen him in things like Karol, A Man Who Became Pope (a very popular Polish film apparently), For All Mankind, Hawkeye, and Night Sky. The Baron is just here to make money, and we all know right from the start that he’s the big villain of the show. If I say any more, though, I’ll probably be giving you spoilers.

Piotr Pacek As Kazimierz Starski

This 30-year-old actor was also in Netflix’s Sexify, alongside his co-star Sandra. The actor has also been in stuff like Scarborn, Delivery By Christmas, and Inheritance. Kazimierz may look a lot like Stan; some would say they’re basically twins, but personality-wise, they’re complete opposites. Kazimierz is Bela’s cousin, but he’s also trying to woo her (ew). He’s money-hungry, but also, you could just call him the villain of this show.

Magdalena Cielecka As Kazimiera Wasowska

Cielecka is a popular actress who has been nominated 5 times for the Polish Film Awards. You may know her from Anxiety, The Defence, and Pokuszenie. In particular, she won the Polish Academy Awards for the historical drama Anxiety. Kazimiera is a maternal figure for Bela, and she’s disappointed with Tomasz for his irresponsible lifestyle and financial choices. She worries about Bela the most, I’d say.

Julia Wyszynska As Florentyna

Julia Wyszynska is known for her roles in Cracow Monsters, Panic Attack, and Hold Tight. She plays Florentyna, Bela’s friend and confidant, but also a family member who depends on Bela’s family for financial support. I guess one could say that Bela is desperate to not end up like her, which is why she’s so determined to be different. She’s like a warning to her. 

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