Conclave (2024) Full Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow & More

Conclave brings together an ensemble of acclaimed actors portraying cardinals and Vatican figures in a story centered on the election of a new pope. The film features Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow in leading roles, with Edward Berger directing this adaptation of Robert Harris’s 2016 novel.

Released in November 2024, the political thriller earned critical acclaim and recognition from major award bodies. The cast has drawn particular attention for its depth and the caliber of performances delivered across the ensemble.

Full Cast of Conclave (2024 Film)

The ensemble brings together established performers from British, American, and international cinema. Ralph Fiennes leads the cast as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, with Stanley Tucci portraying American progressive Cardinal Aldo Bellini.

Key Insights

• Ralph Fiennes received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Cardinal Lawrence
• The Screen Actors Guild awarded the cast Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
• Isabella Rossellini plays Sister Agnes, a role that earned her significant critical acclaim
• Sergio Castellitto portrays Cardinal Tedesco, a conservative figure in the papal election
• The ensemble includes performers from British, American, and international backgrounds
• John Lithgow appears as Cardinal Tremblay in the film
• Rotten Tomatoes reports 93% positive reviews from 318 critics

Conclave Director and Key Crew

Edward Berger directed the film, bringing experience from his acclaimed work on All Quiet on the Western Front. Berger also serves as a producer alongside Alice Dawson, Robert Harris, Juliette Howell, Michael Jackman, and Peter Straughan.

Writing and Adaptation

Peter Straughan adapted Conclave for the screen. Harris himself is credited as writer and producer in various listings. The adaptation retains the novel’s focus on political maneuvering within the Vatican.

Technical Crew

Volker Bertelmann composed the score, while Stéphane Fontaine served as cinematographer. Production took place in Rome beginning January 2023, filmed at Cinecittà studios and completing in March 2023.

Is Conclave Film Available on Netflix?

No confirmed Netflix streaming arrangement exists as of available data. The film premiered in theaters on November 1, 2024, and has not announced an official streaming platform partnership.

However, the film experienced a 283% surge in viewership on unspecified streaming platforms around April 21, 2025, coinciding with real-life papal events following Pope Francis’s death. This spike suggests the film became available through some streaming service during that period.

Where to Watch

Theatrical release was the initial distribution method. Viewers interested in streaming availability should check major platforms directly, as arrangements may have evolved since the most recent data.

Notable Actors in Conclave Including Tedesco

Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence

Ralph Fiennes delivers what critics describe as a career-best performance as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. His character guides viewers through the political complexities of the papal election process.

Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini

Stanley Tucci portrays Cardinal Aldo Bellini, an American progressive who emerged as an early favorite in the fictional election. The role drew inspiration from real-life figures including Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini.

Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco

Sergio Castellitto brings Cardinal Tedesco to life as a conservative counterbalance to the progressive candidates. The character’s name appears with varying spelling across sources, including “Tedesco” as noted in various cast listings.

Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes

Isabella Rossellini plays Sister Agnes, a role that garnered significant acclaim alongside Fiennes. Her performance contributed substantially to the film’s critical reception. The Better Call Saul cast, including Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes, garnered significant acclaim for their performances. Better Call Saul cast

Production Timeline and Key Dates

Understanding the production schedule provides context for how the ensemble came together and when audiences gained access to the film.

1. January 2023: Principal photography began in Rome
2. March 2023: Filming wrapped at Cinecittà studios
3. November 1, 2024: Theatrical premiere
4. April 2025: Streaming viewership surge following papal events

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Critical Context and Reception

Critics have responded positively to the ensemble’s work. Rotten Tomatoes reports 93% positive reviews from 318 critics, with an average score of 8.1 out of 10. The consensus describes the film as “papal pulp” and “intelligent entertainment.”

The AV Club highlighted the suspenseful election scenes, precise cinematography, and Ralph Fiennes’s portrayal of inner turmoil as particularly effective elements of the production.

Sources and References

Ralph Fiennes delivers what could be his best work yet as Lawrence, a man of principle navigating a web of corruption, idealism and political calculation.

— Rotten Tomatoes consensus

Primary sources for this cast information include Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes, TV Guide, and IMDb. Additional coverage came from AV Club for critical analysis.

Summary

The cast of Conclave brings together an impressive ensemble of acclaimed actors led by Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence. The film features strong performances from Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini, supported by a skilled technical crew under Edward Berger’s direction. Released in November 2024, the political thriller received critical acclaim and significant awards recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Fiennes. Streaming availability remains unclear, though viewership data indicates the film reached streaming platforms by April 2025. For related content, see Cast of The Lost Bus – Full Cast List, Family Roles and True Story.

Frequently Asked Questions