Toni Collette Rings in a New Era of Villainy in New Look at ‘Wayward’ Miniseries on Netflix [Exclusive]

You’ve heard of Pavlov’s Bell, but today, as part of Collider’s Exclusive Preview event, we’re going to introduce you to a new face behind the art of bell-ringing. In a never-before-seen image from her upcoming series, Wayward, the one and only Toni Collette takes center stage to show off her latest villainous turn in the project set for the streamer on September 25. Hailing from comedian Mae Martin, who also stars alongside Collette, the eight-episode miniseries peels back the layers of a small town’s sinister secrets after two whistleblowers step out into the light. Joining the leading pair is a supporting regular cast that includes Sarah Gadon (Dracula Untold), Alyvia Alyn Lind (Chucky), Sydney Topliffe (Davey & Jonesie’s Locker), and Brandon Jay McLaren (The Rookie).

In our exclusive image, Collette can be seen dressed in long sleeves with a rolled-up cuff and holding a small bell in her hand. Out of her circular glasses, she looks at someone off-screen, with her facial expressions telling us that she’s deadly serious.

The dark and off-putting vibes coming from the Academy Award-nominated performer make complete sense when you learn a little bit more about the series. In Wayward, Collette appears as Evelyn, the head honcho behind a school for “troubled teens” in the town of Tall Pines. The mysterious educator becomes the primary suspect of an investigation after a police officer named Alex Dempsey (Martin) and his pregnant wife, Laura (Gadon), are approached by Abbie (Topliffe) and Leila (Lind), who claim that they’re being held at the school against their will. As they tell the new-to-the-town cop about all the twisted things going on behind the institution’s closed doors, Alex can’t help but get involved and attempt to get to the bottom of the case — with Collette’s Evelyn being at the very top of his suspect list.

Who Is Behind ‘Wayward’?

In addition to the leading cast, Wayward also features a sprawling ensemble that includes Tattiawna Jones (Murderbot), Isolde Ardies (Murdoch Mysteries), Joshua Close (Exorcism of Emily Rose), Patrick J. Adams (Suits), Patrick Gallagher (Night at the Museum), Gage Munroe (Nobody 2), Byron Mann (Belly of the Beast), and Mark McKinney (Kids in the Hall).

The project marks a reunion between Martin and Netflix as the pair previously joined forces for the two-season-running comedy drama, Feel Good. Along with starring and showrunning, Martin also executive produces alongside Ryan Scott, Euros Lyn, Sphere Media’s Jennifer Kawaja and Bruno Dubé, and Objective Fiction’s Ben Farrell and Hannah Mackay.

Check out Collette in an exclusive shot of Wayward above and stay tuned for more to come from Collider’s Exclusive Preview event.