Heweliusz cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the latest Netflix drama?

Heweliusz was released globally on November 5, 2025, as a limited series and showcases a heart-wrenching story based on a true incident that happened in 1993 when a Polish ship named MS Jan Heweliusz sank amidst an enormous storm. The incident scarred the history and raised several questions about the safety measures, as almost all of the crew and passengers on the ship were killed.

The show is more than just a survival in the sea, as it is layered with impactful performances and emotionally complex characters. The series is adorned with brilliant cast members playing the passengers on the ship, the captain and the family members of those who die in the incident, and now seeking justice.

Here is the complete cast and character guide of Heweliusz, the Netflix show.

Heweliusz cast and character guide: Who plays whom explored

Heweliusz opens on the final voyage of the MS Jan Heweliusz, a cargo passenger ferry sailing from Świnoujście, Poland, to Ystad, Sweden. A devastating storm hit the ship, and the issues within he ship, long ignored by the authorities, made the situation worse. The ferry capsizes, trapping passengers, crew, cars, and freight underwater.

Here is the complete cast and character guide you must refer to before watching Heweliusz:

Magdalena Różczka as Jolanta Ułasiewicz

Jolanta is the wife of the ferry's captain, who is shown on the other side dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. The incident killed 55 people on the ship, and she became the one who came forward to defend the legacy and image of her husband from being tarnished. This is because, as the trailer suggests, the authorities simply try to put the burden on the ship captain without addressing the issues about safety that need to be addressed.

Różczka is known for roles in Polish series and films like Rojst’97” and Lejdis before appearing in Heweliusz as an emotionally layered character.

Borys Szyc as Andrzej Ułasiewicz

Captain Andrzej Ułasiewicz is the commanding officer of the ferry at the moment of disaster. He is the one taking crucial decisions during the storm, and what all does he knows becomes a crucial part of the investigation.

The actor's notable projects include films like Cold War and The Mole, and he is one of Poland’s high-profile actors.

Michał Żurawski as Piotr Binter

Piotr Binter is the captain who was off-duty at the time of the disaster and becomes the knowledgeable captain and investigator assisting in the uncovering of what really happened. He is loyal yet conflicted, torn between protecting friends or colleagues and pursuing the truth.

Żurawski is known for his work in The Mire and Król, showcasing his ability to carry morally complex roles.

Justyna Wasilewska as Aneta Kaczkowska

Aneta Kaczkowska is another widow or family member of another passenger involved in the tragedy. Her fight for justice personalizes the failures of the institute, while her point of view adds some emotional weight, highlighting the sadness that the incident has led to, especially for the families who are now left behind to deal with it.

Wasilewska has shared credits in Beyond Words and Playing Hard, among other Polish productions, and is singled out for her subtle yet powerful performance in this series.

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Jan Englert appears as Binter's Father, a senior figure representing the older generation maritime legacy. He also joins the struggle and introduces an angle of how this isn't a new incident, but has always been a case with the authorities, and how the system works.

Alongside these is another supporting character, Magdalena Zawadzka, playing Binter’s Mother. Her role accentuates the family consequences of disaster and investigation, and offers emotional grounding.

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