Wait, which one? Seriously. If you’re searching for the cast of Adopted film, you've probably realized by now that Hollywood has a weird obsession with this title. There isn't just one.
There's the 2024 Tubi thriller that everyone is currently binging. Then there’s that bizarre Pauly Shore mockumentary from a few years back. And let’s not forget the indie darling Adult Adoption from 2022. It’s a mess.
Honestly, most "cast lists" you find online are just a jumble of names from three different movies. Let’s clear the air. We’re breaking down who is actually in these films, why the 2024 version is blowing up on streaming, and which actors you actually recognize.
The 2024 Tubi Surprise: Who is in the New Adopted?
This is likely why you’re here. Tubi dropped Adopted in late 2024, and it’s been haunting people's "Recommended" feeds ever since. It’s a Footedge Films production, and it’s gritty.
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The story centers on George Decker. He’s a guy who is basically drowning in debt and hates his life. He thinks the only way out is to get rid of his wife and bolt to the Bahamas. It's dark.
The Main Players
- Carl Rimi takes the lead as Will Baker (or George, depending on the script's internal alias). Rimi has that "everyman" look that makes the character’s descent into desperation feel a little too real.
- Phanesia Pharel plays Geraldine Francois. You might recognize her from her stage work or smaller indie roles—she brings a grounded energy to a movie that could easily go off the rails.
- Ezra Josef rounds out the central trio as Taylor Baker.
The chemistry here is... uncomfortable. But it’s supposed to be. It’s a low-budget thriller that relies on these three to carry the heavy lifting of a "culture designed to torture" theme.
The Pauly Shore "Mockumentary" (The One Nobody Talks About)
Okay, let’s pivot. If you saw a clip of a guy in Africa wearing a face mask and rubber gloves while looking at kids, that’s not the Tubi thriller. That’s Pauly Shore.
Back in 2010 (though it keeps resurfacing on streaming services like it’s new), Shore released a film simply titled Adopted. It’s a mockumentary. He plays a version of himself trying to follow in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie and Madonna.
Why the Cast is Mostly "Self"
The cast list for this one is basically Pauly Shore and a bunch of people who didn’t necessarily know they were in a comedy.
- Pauly Shore: Playing... Pauly Shore.
- The "Cast": Most of the people on screen were locals Shore met while touring South Africa.
- The "Orphans": In interviews, Shore mentioned his casting agent sent over a few "orphans" for the shoot, but a lot of the street interactions were guerilla-style.
It’s cringey. It’s supposed to be. But if you're looking for a serious drama about the foster system, this is absolutely not it.
Adult Adoption (2022): The Indie Favorite
Then there is the Canadian gem Adult Adoption. If you’re looking for the cast of the "adopted film" that actually has heart and a 100% rating on some review sites, this is your winner.
Ellie Moon is the powerhouse here. She didn't just star as Rosy; she wrote the screenplay. It follows a 25-year-old bank teller who aged out of foster care and is literally looking for an older adult to adopt her.
The Key Cast Members:
- Ellie Moon (Rosy): She plays the "arrested development" vibe perfectly.
- Rebecca Northan (Jane): The high school teacher who Rosy hopes will be her mom.
- Leah Doz (Helen): The coworker who gives the (honestly terrible) advice to seek out a parent online.
- Michael Healey (Brian): The guy from the "parent-matching" site who turns out to be a total creep.
This film is a masterclass in "warm messiness." It’s about the fact that love isn't always enough to make a family work.
The 2026 Horror Twist: Primate
Just to make things more confusing, 2026 has brought us Primate. Technically, it’s a horror film about an adopted chimpanzee.
I’m including it because it’s trending under "adopted movie cast" right now. The cast is actually stacked:
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- Johnny Sequoyah: You know her from Dexter: New Blood. She plays Lucy.
- Jessica Alexander: The villain from the live-action Little Mermaid.
- Troy Kotsur: The Oscar winner from CODA.
If you wanted a movie about a family adopting a kid and got a rabid chimp instead, you probably clicked on the wrong trailer.
Why the Confusion Matters
People search for "cast of adopted film" and get frustrated because Google blends these results. You’ve got a Pauly Shore comedy from fifteen years ago sitting next to a 2024 Tubi thriller and a 2026 horror flick.
Here is the quick "cheat sheet" to know which cast you’re looking for:
- Searching for a Thriller? You want Carl Rimi and Phanesia Pharel (2024).
- Searching for a Comedy/Cringe? You’re looking for Pauly Shore (2010).
- Searching for a Tear-Jerker? You want Ellie Moon and Rebecca Northan (2022).
- Searching for Horror? That's the 2026 Troy Kotsur project.
Actionable Takeaway: Where to Watch
- Check Tubi for the 2024 thriller. It's free with ads.
- MUBI or Apple TV usually hosts the 2022 Adult Adoption.
- YouTube actually has the full Pauly Shore version if you're into that specific brand of 2000s humor.
Basically, double-check the release year before you commit to a 90-minute watch. There is nothing worse than expecting a deep dive into the American foster system and getting Pauly Shore in a safari hat.
Next Steps for You
If you're specifically interested in the 2024 version, verify the production company is Footage Films. Many smaller studios are using similar titles to ride the SEO wave of the bigger releases. Always look for Carl Rimi's name in the credits to ensure you're watching the right one.