'How to Trap President's Son' Cast Guide: A Closer Look at Mary and Richard

An unlikely pairing between a powerful heir and an ordinary cleaner sets the stage for a story full of tension and surprises. Here’s a closer look at Mary and Richard—and the actors who bring them to life in "How to Trap President’s Son."

A scandalous kiss between a powerful politician’s son and an ordinary cleaner sparks a fake romance that quickly captures public attention. "How to Trap President’s Son" follows Mary and Richard as their staged relationship begins to blur into something real.

The poster for "How to Trap President's Son" | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

Meet Mary (played by Oleksandra Pankova)

Mary is a hardworking cleaner doing everything she can to support her younger brother and keep custody of him despite financial struggles. Responsible and determined, she refuses to give up—even when faced with losing her job and the little stability she has.

Oleksandra Pankova as Mary in “How to Trap President’s Son” | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

Her life changes overnight after a viral scandal links her to Richard, the president’s son. What starts as an act of defiance quickly spirals into a contract marriage, forcing Mary into a world of power and privilege she never asked for.

Oleksandra Pankova as Mary in “How to Trap President’s Son” | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

As she navigates this new reality, her strength and sincerity begin to challenge Richard’s arrogance, turning their fake relationship into something far more complicated.

Noel Salblix as Richard and Oleksandra Pankova as Mary in “How to Trap President’s Son” | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

The character is brought to life by Oleksandra Pankova, an actress known for her work in vertical dramas. She has appeared in titles such as "The Dam," "Bound by Blood," "Transformation: Love Turns to Vengeance," and "The Shy Beauty and the Billionaire Beast," steadily building her presence in the genre.

Beyond acting, she remains active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her projects and connects with her audience.

Meet Richard (played by Noel Salblix)

Richard is the privileged and often arrogant son of a presidential candidate, raised under constant public scrutiny. A Harvard Law graduate and a key figure in his father’s campaign, he is expected to maintain a perfect image—but his reckless behavior quickly leads to scandal.

Noel Salblix as Richard in “How to Trap President’s Son” | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

After a drunken night results in a viral video, Richard is forced to repair the damage to his family’s reputation. His solution is bold and strategic: he stages a romance with Mary, presenting her as his girlfriend to win back public support.

Noel Salblix as Richard in “How to Trap President’s Son” | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

However, what begins as a calculated move soon becomes something more personal, as Richard starts to confront feelings he never expected.

Noel Salblix as Richard and Oleksandra Pankova as Mary in “How to Trap President’s Son” | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

Richard is portrayed by Swedish actor Noel Salblix. He began his career in theater before moving into television and vertical dramas.

In an interview, he shared that his passion for acting was sparked during his school years, influenced by his grandmother, a theater teacher who encouraged him to pursue performance. "How to Trap President’s Son" is one of his early projects in the vertical drama space, filmed in Ukraine alongside an international cast.

Supporting Cast

Sergiy Denga as President Michael Johnson in “How to Trap President’s Son” | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

Other cast members include Sandro Mateusz as Adjit, Liliia Tsvielikova as Elisabeth Skeeter, Tatiana Baytalenko as Sandy, and Juliana Bartash as Mrs. Dora. The series also features Vadim Lisianoi as Mr. Smith, Mariya Visnevska as Felicia, and Andre Alexin as the lawyer, each contributing to the twists and tensions surrounding Mary and Richard’s story.

"How to Trap President’s Son" blends romance, power, and public image into a fast-paced narrative. What begins as a carefully constructed lie to protect a political campaign gradually evolves into a story about unexpected connection and emotional growth.

As Mary navigates a world far removed from her own and Richard faces the consequences of his actions, their journey shows how even the most unlikely relationships can become real.