If you’ve spent any time on Netflix recently, you’ve probably seen the glowing blue eyes and crackling electricity of Lincoln City. The sequel to the 2019 indie hit didn’t just bring back the high-voltage action; it doubled down on the emotional weight. Honestly, the cast of Code 8 Part II is the main reason this world feels so lived-in and gritty rather than just another generic superhero flick. It’s rare to see a crowdfunded passion project turn into a full-blown franchise, but the chemistry between the leads—who are family in real life—keeps things grounded.
You’ve got Connor Reed trying to stay out of trouble. You’ve got Garrett still running his ethical-but-illegal operations. It’s a mess. A beautiful, neon-soaked mess.
The Core Duo: Robbie and Stephen Amell
The backbone of this entire universe is the Amell cousins. Robbie Amell returns as Connor Reed, and his performance this time around feels much more weary. He’s not the wide-eyed kid trying to save his mom anymore. He’s an ex-con working at a community center, just trying to pay his dues. Robbie brings a physical stillness to Connor that works well against the chaos of the robotic "Guardians" patrolling the streets.
Then there’s Stephen Amell as Garrett.
Stephen plays Garrett with a sort of oily charisma that makes you want to trust him even though you know he’s probably going to screw someone over. In Part II, Garrett has carved out a comfortable life for himself in "The Towers," basically acting as a middleman between the powered community and the corrupt police force. The dynamic between Robbie and Stephen is the heart of the movie. Because they are cousins, the bickering and the unspoken tension feel authentic. It’s not just "actor A" and "actor B" hitting marks; it’s a decade of shared history manifesting on screen.
The Breakout: Sirena Gulamgaus as Pavani
While the Amells get the top billing, the real MVP of the cast of Code 8 Part II is Sirena Gulamgaus. She plays Pavani, a young girl with a unique power who witnesses a horrific crime committed by the police.
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Gulamgaus is a revelation here.
Most child actors in sci-fi are either too precocious or purely there to be a "MacGuffin." Pavani feels like a real person. She’s terrified, grieving, and incredibly skeptical of Connor when they first meet. Her ability to manipulate electronics—not just "zap" things, but actually interface with them—is visually stunning, but it’s her quiet moments with Robbie Amell that give the movie its soul. Without her, the stakes would just be "Connor wants to stay out of jail." With her, it becomes a fight for the future of Lincoln City.
The Antagonist: Alex Mallari Jr. as Sergeant King
Every good sci-fi needs a villain you love to hate, and Alex Mallari Jr. delivers as Sergeant King. He’s the face of the "benevolent" police force that is actually anything but. King is the guy behind the new K9 robotic units, which are far more terrifying than the old hulking Guardians.
What makes Mallari Jr.’s performance work is the lack of mustache-twirling. He thinks he’s the hero. He genuinely believes that by using Pavani’s power for his "reforms," he’s making the city safer. It’s that dangerous mix of ego and authority. If you recognize him, it’s likely from Dark Matter or The Adam Project, but this is arguably his most nuanced role to date. He represents the systemic rot that Connor and Garrett are fighting against, making him the perfect foil for the cast of Code 8 Part II.
Supporting Players Who Flesh Out Lincoln City
The world-building in this sequel is much denser, and that’s thanks to the supporting actors who fill the background of the "LCPD" and the underworld.
- Jean Yoon as Mina: Best known for Kim’s Convenience, Yoon plays a community leader who provides a glimpse into how "Powereds" live when they aren't robbing banks.
- Aaron Abrams as Detective Davis: Returning from the first film, Davis is the weary cop caught between his conscience and his career.
- Moe Jeudy-Lamour as Cyler: A reliable muscle for Garrett’s crew who adds a bit of texture to the group dynamics.
Honestly, the way these characters interact makes Lincoln City feel like a place where people actually live, work, and struggle. It isn't just a backdrop for CGI fights.
Why the Casting Choices Matter for SEO and Fans
When people search for the cast of Code 8 Part II, they aren't just looking for a list of names. They want to know why these people were chosen. Director Jeff Chan and the Amells have been very vocal about keeping this production "Toronto-centric."
A lot of these actors are Canadian staples. This gives the film a specific aesthetic that differs from the glossy, hyper-produced look of Atlanta-based Marvel movies. It feels raw. By casting actors like Sirena Gulamgaus, who has a background in shows like Transplant, the production tapped into a pool of talent that brings a different energy than the usual Hollywood suspects.
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The Evolution of the "Powereds"
The cast doesn't just consist of humans; it includes the way the powers are portrayed. In Part II, the "Powereds" are treated more like a marginalized class than a group of superheroes.
This shift in tone required the actors to play their abilities with a sense of shame or necessity rather than pride. When Connor uses his electricity, it’s usually out of desperation. It’s painful. It’s messy. Robbie Amell’s facial expressions during these scenes show the toll it takes on his body. That’s a key detail often missed in bigger-budget films where powers come for free.
Misconceptions About the Cast and Production
Some people think this was a massive studio-driven sequel from the jump. Nope.
The original Code 8 started as a short film and a record-breaking Indiegogo campaign. The cast of Code 8 Part II returned because they believed in the story, not just for a paycheck. There was a rumor that a certain major star from the CW's Arrowverse might make a cameo, but the filmmakers wisely stuck to the core story of Lincoln City. They didn't need cameos to make the world feel big; they needed the emotional stakes provided by Pavani and Connor.
What This Means for Code 8 Part III
The ending of the second film leaves several doors wide open. While nothing is officially greenlit, the chemistry of the current cast of Code 8 Part II suggests there is plenty of room for a trilogy closer.
The power balance in Lincoln City has shifted. Garrett is in a very different position than he was at the start of the film. Connor has found a reason to fight beyond himself. Pavani is now a key player in the grander scheme of things. If a third movie happens, expect to see the consequences of the "K9" program failure and how Sergeant King’s downfall affects the rest of the police force.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Filmmakers
If you’re a fan of the franchise or interested in the "Amell-verse," here is how you can engage more with the world of Code 8:
- Watch the Original Short: Before the 2019 movie, there was a 10-minute short film. Watching it shows how much the characters of Connor and the world of Lincoln City evolved. It’s a masterclass in proof-of-concept filmmaking.
- Follow Collective Pictures: This is the production company behind the film. They are pioneers in the "direct-to-fan" model, and following their journey gives you a better appreciation for why the cast of Code 8 Part II feels so invested in the project.
- Analyze the "Power" Grading: Notice how the film uses different levels of power (Class 1, Class 2, etc.). It’s a subtle bit of world-building that helps define the hierarchy of the cast without needing long exposition scenes.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: There are several callbacks to the first film’s cast, specifically regarding the "Psy" powers and how they are used for drug production (Mallow). It explains why the city is in the state it's in.
The cast of Code 8 Part II succeeded because they didn't try to be the Avengers. They stayed local, stayed gritty, and focused on the cost of having powers in a world that fears you. Whether you're there for the Amell cousins or the breakout performance by Sirena Gulamgaus, the film proves that character-driven sci-fi still has a massive audience on streaming platforms. This isn't just a sequel; it's a expansion of a very human story told through a superhuman lens.