Conclaveis a 2024 mystery-thriller surrounding the election of a new pope, and the ensemble is rounded out by some immensely talented actors. The new movie isdirected by Edward Berger, a director best known for the Academy Award-winning filmAll Quiet on the Western Front.Conclaveis his second time adapting dense historical fiction text, based on the 2016 novel of the same name by author Robert Harris. After premiering at Telluride Film Festival in August 2024,Conclavereceived positive reviews, with a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.4/10 on IMDb.
The filmfollows Thomas Lawrence, a cardinal tasked with organizing the succession of a new popeafter the previous one dies with lingering mysteries. Lawrence plays a dangerous political game as cardinals vying for the now-vacant position seek out his favor, knowing his influence will be vital to their chances of winning the election. Meanwhile, he continues to uncover information surrounding the previous pope’s secrets, resulting in discoveries that concern the potential candidates.Conclaveis playing in theatersstarting October 25.
Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence
Date of Birth: July 18, 2025
Actor:Ralph Fiennes is anEnglish actor who first earned widespread acclaim for the antagonist role in Steven Spielberg’s WWII dramaSchindler’s List, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination. Shortly after, he starred inThe EnglishPatient, another film that won Best Picture. In the 21st century, Fiennes has become widely recognizable for his roles in various films.Ralph Fiennes' best moviesinclude franchise characters like Voldemort in theHarry Potterseries to leading roles in critically acclaimed titles likeThe Grand Budapest HotelandThe Menu.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Clash of the Titans
The Menu
Chef Julian Slowik
Character:Cardinal Thomas Lawrencemanages the pope election process. He’s essentially the head of the cardinals but doesn’t believe himself fit to be the next pope.
Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini
Date of Birth: May 30, 2025
Actor:Stanley Tucci is an American actor from Peekskill, New York, who’s best known for playing supporting roles in a vast assortment of movies and TV shows, earning him six Emmys, two Golden Globes, and Academy Award nominations. Hisbest-known films includeThe Devil Wears Prada, for which he was nominated for an Oscar,The Hunger Gamesseries,Spotlight,Julie & Julia, and more. Recently, he led the highly popular documentary seriesStanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, which received widespread acclaim and admiration.
Beauty and the Beast
Maestro Cadenza
Character:Cardinal Bellini is a close friend of Cardinal Thomas who has ambitions of becoming the new pope.
Stanley Tucci’s Emmy-Winning Monk Episode Made Tony Shalhoub’s Performance Somehow Even More Impressive
Stanely Tucci guest starred in one of the best Monk episodes, and his character somehow made Tony Shalhoub’s performance even more impressive.
John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay
Date of Birth: August 02, 2025
Actor:John Lithgow is anAmerican actor from Rochester, New York, who’s built a legendary career in film and television over the past five decades, playing numerous iconic characters and appearing in dozens of critically acclaimed works. Early in his career, Lithgow received acclaim for appearing in the films of Brian De Palma, includingObsessionandBlow Out. More recently, he can be recognized for supporting roles in films likeInterstellarandKillers of the Flower Moon, as well as TV shows likePerry MasonandThe Crown.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
The Crown
Winston Churchill
Character:Cardinal Tremblay is one of the contenders to become the new pope, but he possesses dark secrets.
Carlos Diehz as Cardinal Benitez
Date of Birth: Unknown
Actor:Carlos Diehz is aMexican actor who only recently ventured into acting, meaning he’ll be an almost entirely original face to audiences seeingConclave. Prior to the 2024 film, his only credits included two short films,The Vegan VampireandIt Gets Dark Too Early.
The Vegan Vampire(Short)
Diego
Character:Diehz’s character is Cardinal Benitez, a mysterious new arrival who keeps voting for Lawrence.
Conclave Supporting Cast & Characters
Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes:Isabella Rossellini has contributed iconic performances to films and TV shows for over four decades, including a leading role in David Lynch’sBlue Velvet.
Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco:Sergio Castellitto is an Italian actor, director, and screenwriter who’s worked on projects in his home country for over four decades, including the 2004 filmDon’t Move, which he directed and starred in opposite Penelope Cruz.
Lucian Msamati as Cardinal Adeyemi:Lucian Msamati is a British-Tanzanian actor best known for roles in TV shows likeGangs of LondonandGame of Thrones.
Brían F. O’Byrne as Monsignor Raymond O’Malley:Brían F. O’Byrne is an Irish actor who’s appeared in films and TV shows likeMillion Dollar Baby, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, andMildred Pierce.
Merab Ninidze as Cardinal Sabbadin:Merab Ninidze is a Georgian actor best known for work in European movies and shows, includingNowhere in AfricaandThe Courier.
Conclave
Cardinal Lawrence leads the secretive papal election at the Vatican, where he uncovers a conspiracy and a secret that could destabilize the Church’s foundation as leaders gather from around the world.
