Netflix likes to drop these weird, colorful movies right around October that feel like a fever dream of Nickelodeon nostalgia mixed with actual stakes. Honestly, that’s exactly what happened when they released the film adaptation of Joe Ballarini’s book series. People were searching for the cast of A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting before the credits even finished rolling because the chemistry was just... weirdly good? It felt like a group of kids who actually liked each other, led by a babysitter who looked like she’d rather be doing calculus than fighting a boogeyman.
Tamara Smart plays Kelly Ferguson. She’s the anchor. If you recognize her, it’s probably because she was in The Worst Witch or that Resident Evil series that everyone has feelings about. She brings this sort of grounded, "I’m too smart for this" energy to Kelly. Kelly isn’t your typical "chosen one" who is stoked to find out monsters are real. She’s a math genius. She’s logical. When she realizes her charge, Jacob (played by Ian Ho), has been snatched by the Grand Guignol, she doesn't just scream. She calculates.
The Core Order of the Babysitters
The secret society at the heart of the movie is what really drives the plot. It’s not just one girl against the dark; it’s an international network. Oona Laurence plays Liz Lerue. Liz is the Vice President of the Rhode Island chapter, and she’s basically the cool older sister everyone wanted but was also slightly afraid of. Oona is a powerhouse. You might remember her from Southpaw or Pete's Dragon. She doesn't play "kid roles" with that sugary Disney Channel vibe. She’s gritty. In this film, she’s the one who introduces Kelly to the reality that monsters are real and babysitters are the only thing standing between them and a very bad night for humanity.
Then you have the rest of the squad.
Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson plays Berna, the tech genius. Every group needs a Berna. She’s the one building the gadgets that actually work against the "Toads" and other nasties. Ty Consiglio plays Curtis, who handles the weapons and gear. It’s a classic ensemble setup, but the actors make it feel less like a trope and more like a specialized unit. They have this shorthand that makes you believe the cast of A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting spent weeks training together.
Tom Felton as the Grand Guignol: A Total Transformation
Let’s talk about Draco Malfoy. Well, Tom Felton.
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He is unrecognizable. Seriously. If you didn’t see his name in the opening credits, you might spend half the movie wondering why the villain looks so familiar but so creepy. Felton plays the Grand Guignol, the primary antagonist who feeds on children's nightmares to create an army of monsters.
He’s chewing the scenery. Hard.
It’s a performance that leans into the campiness of a kids' horror-comedy while still being genuinely unsettling. He’s got this long, greasy hair and a wardrobe that looks like a Victorian rockstar went through a blender. Felton has often talked about how much he enjoys playing the villain, and here, he’s clearly having the time of his life. He’s not the slick, privileged bully we saw in Harry Potter. He’s a chaotic, nightmare-weaving ancient being. It’s a bold choice for a cast that is otherwise very young and relatively new to the scene.
Indya Moore and the International Scale
One of the coolest parts of the movie is the "Cat Lady," played by Indya Moore. If you’ve seen Pose, you know Indya is a star. Their presence in a Netflix family movie was a bit of a surprise but a welcome one. They play Peggy Drood.
Peggy represents the broader world of this secret society. It’s not just a suburban American thing. The movie hints at chapters all over the globe, which is a classic world-building move often found in young adult novels. Moore brings a certain elegance and mystery that balances out the high-energy chaos of the younger cast members.
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Why This Cast Worked Better Than the Critics Said
The reviews were mixed. Some critics thought it was too loud or too "busy." But honestly? They missed the point.
The cast of A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting worked because they played the stakes as if they were real. When Ian Ho (Jacob) is being held captive, he isn't just a prop. He’s a kid who is genuinely terrified. Ian Ho is a name you should watch; he’s been in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and has this ability to look vulnerable without being annoying.
The movie relies on the "Monster Manual" concept. It’s very Dungeons & Dragons meets The Baby-Sitters Club.
- Kelly (Tamara Smart): The "Monster Hunter" in training.
- Liz (Oona Laurence): The veteran mentor.
- Grand Guignol (Tom Felton): The nightmare king.
- The Toads: Those weird, CGI minions that are basically the minions of this universe but uglier.
Most movies for this age group fail because they talk down to the audience. This cast doesn't. They talk about "Shadow Monsters" and "Nightmare Clay" with total sincerity.
Behind the Scenes Connections
Director Rachel Talalay is a legend in the genre world. She directed Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare and a bunch of Doctor Who episodes. She knows how to handle monsters. She reportedly encouraged the cast to improvise some of their banter to make the friendships feel more authentic.
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Tamara Smart and Oona Laurence reportedly became quite close during filming in Vancouver. That shows. There’s a scene where Liz is trying to explain the "Toad" situation to Kelly, and the way they play off each other’s confusion and frustration feels like two people who have actually spent fourteen hours a day together on a soundstage.
What has the cast been doing since?
Since the film debuted, the careers of the main players have taken some interesting turns.
Tamara Smart has stayed busy in the British acting scene and ventured into bigger franchises. Oona Laurence has moved into more "prestige" indie roles, proving she’s one of the most capable actors of her generation. Tom Felton, of course, continues to be the internet’s favorite former wizard, frequently engaging with fans and taking on character-actor roles that let him hide under layers of prosthetics and makeup.
Dealing with the "CGI vs. Practical" Debate
The monsters themselves are almost part of the cast. The movie uses a blend of practical effects and CGI. While the Grand Guignol's minions are mostly digital, the production design for their lair and the gadgets the babysitters use are tactile.
The cast had to do a lot of "green screen acting," which is notoriously difficult for younger actors. You’re reacting to a tennis ball on a stick and trying to look like you’re seeing a three-headed nightmare dog. Tamara Smart mentioned in interviews that the physical sets helped bridge that gap. Having a real, physical "Monster Manual" book to hold made the lore feel more "heavy" and real.
Final Verdict on the Ensemble
If you’re looking for a deep cinematic masterpiece, this isn't it. But if you want to see a group of talented young actors—the cast of A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting—deliver a fun, spooky, and surprisingly heartfelt adventure, it hits the mark.
It’s about finding your "superpower" in the things people teased you for. For Kelly, it was being a "monster girl" and a math nerd. For Liz, it was her stubbornness. The cast sells that message without making you want to roll your eyes.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch for the Cameos: Keep an eye out for Momona Tamada. She’s a huge star from The Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix and has a small role here. It’s a fun "babysitter cinematic universe" Easter egg.
- Read the Books: If you liked the world-building, Joe Ballarini’s books go much deeper into the different types of monsters and the history of the international babysitter chapters.
- Check Out the Soundtrack: The music plays a huge role in the vibe of the film, featuring tracks that lean into the "girl power" and "spooky" themes.
- Follow the Leads: Following Tamara Smart and Oona Laurence on social media is a great way to see their upcoming projects, as both are currently filming major series for 2025 and 2026.