Our Viral ‘Twisted Love’ Dream Cast Revisited: Updated Picks for Alex Volkov & More
If you’re a member of the Ana Huang fandom, there is no doubt in my mind that you’ve seen or at least heard of Swooon‘s viral Twisted Love dream cast, which not only received the title “worst dream cast of all time” by multiple readers but also somehow convinced others that we had cast the Netflix adaptation. Trust us, we have no say in the casting process for Netflix romance series, regardless of how much we love the Anaverse.
On January 25, 2025, I wrote my first Swooon article, “Twisted Love Dream Cast: Our Picks for Ava, Alex & More Twisted Couples,” because I truly loved the series and was thrilled to hear that Netflix had picked up the rights for a television adaptation. With picks like Michelle Mao for Ava Chen, Thomas Doherty for Alex Volkov, and Regé-Jean Page for Christian Harper, I sent my dream cast list out into the world. Almost instantly, avid Anaverse fans took to the comments section, convinced that I hadn’t read the book.
I promise you, I have read every Ana Huang novel cover to cover. I’ve also had the pleasure of interviewing Ana Huang multiple times in the past year about her new books, King of Envy and The Defender.
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A year later, we are still eagerly waiting for an official cast announcement for the Twisted Netflix series. While I stand by my picks for the Twisted series leads, I’m taking this anniversary as a sign that it’s high time to revisit the list and make some much-requested changes. I’ve read your comments, and I’m heading in with everyone’s opinion in mind. That being said, I’m still going to craft this hypothetical Twisted cast realistically, based on which actors could reasonably be in the series.
Scroll to read Swooon‘s new and improved Twisted Love dream cast and be sure to tell us how you feel about our updated picks in the comments below!
Twisted Love, Season 1, TBA, Netflix
Michelle Mao as Ava Chen
Yes, we are still at the restaurant. But I’m feeling more confident than ever that this Bridgerton star could be sticking around Netflix beyond Season 4 of the hit Regency show to enroll in Thayer University. From the sneak peeks we’ve seen so far of Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li, it’s clear that she’s not just a stunner; this woman can act like her life depends on it. I’m standing by this one.
Drake Rodger as Alex Volkov
Alex Volkov, on the other hand, is one role I am willing to recast. I was roasted beyond oblivion for casting former Disney star Thomas Doherty as my dream Alex, so I’ve refocused my attention to a popular social media pick: Motorheads star Drake Rodger. While no one can be as chiseled as the Anaverse leads in our hearts, it’s clear that Rodger’s jawline is the closest one can come to perfection.
Sarah Catherine Hook as Bridget von Ascheberg
From The White Lotus to People We Meet on Vacation, Sarah Catherine Hook captured our hearts and screens in 2025. Much like Mao, Hook is absolutely gorgeous, with a regal aura fit for the Princess of Eldorra. And yes, before you point it out, her hair is not blonde in the picture. If only dye that people could use to change their hair color…
Gabriel Basso as Rhys Larsen
Most fan casts I have come across choose men in their forties for the Anaverse leads. Striving for a more book-accurate aged actor who still has the maturity fans crave for Bridget’s bodyguard, Rhys, we’ve selected The Night Agent star, Gabriel Basso. We’ve seen this guy in action, and I wouldn’t mind watching him protect the Twisted Games heroine in the slightest. In fact, I’d welcome it.
Sophie Nélisse as Jules Ambrose
For Jules, I would really love to see a newcomer step into the role who more accurately fits the character’s description. However, when it comes to the existing pool of redhead or redhead-adjacent actresses, Sophie Nélisse would do a fantastic job in the role. We’ve seen her vicious side in Yellowjackets, and now we’ve gotten to see her sexy (and supportive bestie) side in Heated Rivalry. It’s clear that Nélisse would bring so much life to the Twisted Hate leading lady.
Alex Landi as Josh Chen
You guys really saw my vision with this one, so I’m definitely sticking with Grey’s Anatomy star Alex Landi as our revised Josh Chen. You can’t mess with perfection.
Chandler Kinney as Stella Alonso
When it comes to the Twisted series’ resident influencer, I can’t help but envision Chandler Kinney. She brought so much joy to the stage during her time on Dancing With the Stars, and we’re already eager to see her in the Legally Blonde prequel, Elle. What’s one more adaptation to add to her list?
Mason Gooding as Christian Harper
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been ripped to shreds for fan-casting the Duke from Bridgerton as an Anaverse lead. Just me? This time around, I’m shifting my focus towards Love, Victor and Scream actor Mason Gooding, who could literally make anyone melt. He’s a little bit more gritty than Regé-Jean Page, but still makes me swoon every time I see him.
