Netflix loves a high-concept action flick. You know the vibe. Big stars, international locations, and a plot that moves so fast you don't have time to ask why a construction worker is suddenly a super-spy. When you look at the cast of The Union, it’s pretty clear the streaming giant wasn't playing around. They went for established heavy hitters. Bringing Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry together for a blue-collar espionage thriller sounds like something a studio executive dreamed up after watching The Departed and John Wick back-to-back. Honestly? It works better than it has any right to.
The movie follows Mike (Wahlberg), a Jersey construction guy who lives a quiet, predictable life. Then Roxanne (Berry), his high school sweetheart, walks back into his life and knocks him out—literally. Next thing he knows, he’s in London being recruited into a secret organization.
Who’s Who in the Cast of The Union
Mark Wahlberg plays Mike McKenna. It’s a role he could probably do in his sleep, but he brings a specific "everyman" energy that keeps the movie grounded. He’s the guy who drinks at the local pub, works high-steel, and doesn't want much more out of life. Wahlberg has spent decades refining this persona. Whether it’s The Fighter or even his more comedic turns, he specializes in characters who feel like they could be your neighbor from Southie. In The Union, he has to play the fish-out-of-water, and his chemistry with the rest of the cast relies heavily on him being the guy who doesn't know which end of the gadget is which.
Halle Berry is Roxanne Hall. Look, Berry is an Oscar winner, but she’s also a certified action star. She did the training for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and she brings that same physical intensity here. Roxanne isn't just a love interest. She’s the operative. She’s the one who’s actually good at the job. The dynamic shifts between her and Wahlberg are the heartbeat of the film. It's not just about the mission; it's about the "what if" of their shared past.
Then you have J.K. Simmons.
Every movie is better with J.K. Simmons. Fact. He plays Tom Brennan, the head of the titular organization. Simmons has this way of being incredibly intimidating while sitting perfectly still. He’s the one overseeing the chaos, and his inclusion elevates the stakes. You believe he's running a global intelligence agency because he sounds like a guy who’s seen it all and is tired of everyone's nonsense.
📖 Related: Chris Robinson and The Bold and the Beautiful: What Really Happened to Jack Hamilton
The Supporting Players Making Moves
The rest of the cast of The Union is filled with faces you’ll recognize if you watch enough prestige TV or British drama.
- Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje plays Frank. If you remember him from Lost or Oz, you know he has a presence that commands the screen. Here, he’s part of the team trying to turn Mike into something useful.
- Jessica De Gouw appears as Juliet. She’s been in Arrow and The Crown, bringing a slick, professional edge to the spy team.
- Alice Lee plays Athena. She provides some of the tech-heavy support that every spy movie needs, but she does it with a personality that doesn't feel like a trope.
- Jackie Earle Haley shows up as Foreman. He’s one of those character actors who can play creepy, heroic, or gritty with equal ease. Having him in the mix adds a layer of "wait, what’s his angle?" to the proceedings.
Why This Ensemble Matters for Netflix
Streaming movies live or die on star power. You're scrolling. You see a thumbnail. You see Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. You click. It’s that simple. But the cast of The Union does something more than just provide a recognizable thumbnail. They sell the "Blue Collar Spy" premise.
Usually, spies in movies are suave. They wear $5,000 suits. They know which fork to use at a state dinner. The Union flips that. The organization itself is made up of people who "do the work." They are the mechanics, the construction workers, the people who actually know how the world is built. Choosing actors like Wahlberg and Akinnuoye-Agbaje—who have a certain ruggedness—makes that theme feel authentic rather than just a gimmick.
Director Julian Farino, who worked with Wahlberg on Entourage, knows how to handle these personalities. He focuses on the banter. The movie thrives in the moments where the cast is just talking, arguing over Jersey vs. London, or rehashing old high school drama while dodging bullets.
Deep Nuance: The Chemistry Gamble
Does it always work? Sorta.
👉 See also: Chase From Paw Patrol: Why This German Shepherd Is Actually a Big Deal
The biggest risk with a cast this big is that people get lost. With Berry and Wahlberg taking up so much oxygen, actors like Mike Colter—who plays Nick Faraday—have to make a massive impact with limited screen time. Colter is great. He has that Marvel-level physique and a deep, resonant voice that makes you pay attention. His character serves as a bit of a rival to Mike, and the friction between them provides some of the movie's best non-explosion moments.
One thing people often get wrong about these big Netflix ensembles is thinking the actors are just there for a paycheck. While the money is surely good, Berry has been vocal in interviews about the physical demand of these roles. She’s in her 50s and doing her own stunts. That's not "phoning it in." That's commitment to the craft of action cinema.
The film also benefits from a script co-written by Joe Barton. If you haven't seen his work on The Lazarus Project or Giri/Haji, you're missing out. He knows how to write ensemble dialogue that feels snappy. He avoids the "as you know, Bob" style of exposition, letting the cast show who they are through their actions.
The Filming Locations and Visuals
A cast is only as good as the world they inhabit. The Union moved through London, Slovenia, and Italy. Seeing Wahlberg—the quintessential American guy—running across European rooftops adds to the visual comedy of the film. The contrast between his "Jersey-ness" and the high-stakes European backdrop is a visual metaphor for the whole movie.
What Most People Miss About the Production
There’s a misconception that movies like this are "easy" to make. Just get some stars and a green screen. In reality, the logistics of coordinating a cast of The Union's caliber across international borders during a busy filming season is a nightmare.
✨ Don't miss: Charlize Theron Sweet November: Why This Panned Rom-Com Became a Cult Favorite
The production had to deal with the specific schedules of J.K. Simmons (who is always working) and Halle Berry (who is increasingly selective about her projects). The fact that the movie feels cohesive is a testament to the editing and the shared chemistry developed during the shoot.
Wait. Let’s talk about the Jersey factor.
The movie spends a lot of time establishing Mike’s life in Bayonne. The extras, the secondary cast members playing his friends at the bar—they all have to feel real for the stakes to matter. If Mike doesn't have a life worth returning to, the whole "reluctant spy" thing falls flat. The casting directors did a great job finding people who look like they’ve actually spent thirty years working on a bridge.
How to Enjoy The Union (And What to Watch Next)
If you’ve already seen it, you probably noticed the ending leaves things wide open. That’s the Netflix way. They want a franchise. Whether we get The Union 2 depends entirely on the viewing hours, but the cast is certainly game.
To get the most out of your viewing:
- Watch for the background details: The "blue-collar" theme isn't just in the dialogue. Look at the gear they use and the way they approach problems. It’s practical, not flashy.
- Pay attention to Halle Berry’s stunts: Knowing she did a huge chunk of that herself makes the action sequences much more impressive.
- Don't take it too seriously: This isn't Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. It’s a popcorn movie meant for a Saturday night on the couch.
If you’re a fan of the cast of The Union, your next steps are pretty straightforward. Check out The Family Plan on Apple TV+ if you want more Wahlberg in "action-dad" mode. For more Halle Berry being a total badass, John Wick 3 is mandatory viewing. And if you just want more of J.K. Simmons being a boss, go back and watch Counterpart—it’s one of the most underrated spy shows ever made.
The real takeaway here is that Netflix has mastered the art of the "Comfort Action Movie." They use a high-wattage cast to make a familiar story feel fresh. It’s not breaking new ground in the genre, but with Berry and Wahlberg at the helm, it’s a fun ride that knows exactly what it wants to be.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Explore the Crew: Look up Joe Barton’s other writing projects if you liked the dialogue; he’s one of the best in the biz right now.
- Track the Stunts: Follow the film's stunt coordinators on social media to see the "making-of" clips for the London chase sequences.
- Compare and Contrast: Watch The Gray Man or Red Notice right after. You’ll see how The Union tries to stay a bit more grounded compared to the "superhero" feel of other Netflix hits.
- Follow the Leads: Both Berry and Wahlberg are active on Instagram, often sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their training regimens which gives a lot of context to their performance in this film.