The Menu is a 2022 horror movie that follows a disturbing chef named Julian Slowik. After an array of guests arrives at his exclusive restaurant, the dinner party takes a dark turn. The Menu is a who’s who of the top actors in a variety of genres, from comedy to drama, romance, and fantasy.
The talented actors gave incredible performances, but viewers may be wondering where they've seen the cast before. The cast includes actors who fans will instantly recognize from their most notable projects, like Harry Potter or Prison Break. However, The Menu also featured actors who look familiar, but viewers simply can’t quite place them.
10 Ralph Fiennes Is A Harry Potter Legend
Ralph Fiennes, who plays the troubled, murderous Chef Slowik in The Menu, is an Academy Award-nominated actor who has appeared in numerous film, TV, and theater projects. His first major film acting role was as Heathcliff in Emile Brontë’s Wuthering Heights in 1992.
However, Fiennes is most recognized for his role as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter movies, which was one of the most perfect villain castings. He also played Gareth Mallory/M in three James Bond movies, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die. He’s next slated to appear in the movie adaptation ofThe Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. The English actor has worked behind the camera as well.
9 Anya Taylor-Joy Played A Chess Prodigy In The Queen's Gambit
While Anya Taylor-Joy has been acting since 2015, her breakout role was the troubled chess prodigy Beth Harmon in Netflix's Emmy-winning series, The Queen’s Gambit. Before that, however, some fans might recognize the actor from her role in seasons five and six of Peaky Blinders.
In The Menu, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, Taylor-Joy portrayed Margot. This character was the female escort-turned-master manipulator. Taylor-Joy will next be heard (though not seen) as the voice of Princess Peach in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. She also appeared in the 2022 movie Amsterdam.
8 Nicholas Hoult Has Several Acting Credits
Nicholas Hoult has been acting since he was a teen, but he rose to fame when he landed more adult roles. He portrayed the eager diner Tyler on The Menu, and fans were thoroughly impressed with his performance. Some of his most recognizable recent roles include Eusobias in Clash of the Titans and Hank McCoy in X-Men: First Class.
Hoult played J. R. R. Tolkien in the 2019 movie Tolkien, but fans most likely remember him as Peter III in The Great. Hoult is next set to appear in a movie called Renfield and will serve as the voice of Jon Arbuckle in Garfield.
7 Hong Chau Has Had A Banner Year
Hong Chau was a scene stealer in The Menu because she delivered the most terrifying lines in the most stoic way. She played Elsa, a stone-faced woman who acted as Chef Slowik’s number-two in command. Hong Chau might look familiar, and that is because she has had a pretty incredible year thus far. She played Liz in The Whale, one of the most anticipated movies of 2022.
Hong Chau also appeared in Watchmen, Homecoming, and Treme. Chau’s next credit is for an upcoming movie called Asteroid City. She has also secured a main role on an upcoming TV show called The Night Agent. There’s not much known about the show, except that it will follow a low-level FBI agent who works in The White House basement.
6 Janet McTeer Was A Crime Boss’ Right-Hand In Ozark
Janet McTeer’s Lillian was so convincing in The Menu that she likely had every food critic shaking in their boots. This isn’t the first time McTeer has played a character with tremendous power and influence. In Ozark, she portrayed Helen, the attorney for drug cartel leader Omar.
However, the Academy and Emmy-nominated British actor, who was appointed as Officer of the Order of the British Empire by the late Queen Elizabeth II back in 2008, has been acting for quite some time. She has also had roles in The Divergent Series, Damages, and Jessica Jones. Her next role will be in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.
5 Paul Adelstein Has Been In Massive Hit Shows
Paul Adelstein plays Ted, who's dining with his top food writer at an exclusive restaurant and soaking in every moment. Adelstein is best known as the tough Agent Paul Kellerman in Prison Break and pediatrician Cooper Freedman on Private Practice.
Adelstein also had a memorable role as Leo in Scandal. Interestingly, Adelstein also co-created the series Imposters. Currently, he doesn't have any upcoming projects, but fans are excited to see him return to the big screen after his incredible performance in The Menu.
4 John Leguizamo Is A Veteran In The Biz
John Leguizamo entertained audiences as Georgie Diaz in The Menu. The has-been movie star was enjoying the spoils of his lengthy career, even if his recent projects weren't exactly something to be proud of. In real life, the actor has been in more than 100 movies throughout his lengthy career. He has also made dozens of TV show appearances and even produced movies and documentaries.
Some of Leguizamo’s most recent roles were in John Wick, Waco, The Mandalorian, and the sitcom The Brothers Garcia. Still, fans most remember him from Carlito’s Way, one of the best ‘90s gangster movies. Otherwise, he played Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age movies and Bruno in Encanto. He has a few roles coming up, namely in The Power and a movie called Tin Soldier.
3 Aimee Carrero Played Danielle In Maid
In The Menu, Aimee Carrero played Felicity, a woman who is tired of being bought by a famous man. The actor, who is visibly annoyed throughout the entire movie, might look familiar from her role as Danielle in the drama series Maid. She also had a small supporting role in the Christmas movie Spirited.
Carrero has done a lot of voice work, too. Her roles include Princess Elena in Elena of Avalor and Adore/She-Ra in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. She will next voice a character in the animated series The Legend of Vox Machina, and is set to star in an upcoming series called The Consultant.
2 Judith Light Is A Sitcom Legend
In The Menu, Anne seems like a sweet wife who has come to terms with her husband's infidelities. Judith Light is a huge part of pop culture history, most notably for playing Angela Bower on the sitcom Who’s The Boss?
Fans who aren’t familiar with that ‘80s and ‘90s sitcom, probably best remember Light from her role on Ugly Betty. Claire Meade is one of the best-written female characters in sitcoms, but Light also played the strong Marilyn Miglin in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.
1 Reed Birney Is A Serial Guest Star
Fans instantly recognize Reed Birney and know they have seen him in other projects but can’t quite place him. In The Menu, he plays the philandering husband Richard. His exploits are discovered while he’s trapped in the restaurant with his wife and the escort, whose services he previously used.
Fans most likely recognize Birney from his roles in shows like House of Cards, The Blacklist, and Home Before Dark. He has also had small guest starring roles in popular series, such as The Americans, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Succession. He's also just appeared in the 2023 series Poker Face.