The Stephen King 11.22.63 cast is drawing renewed attention as the acclaimed time-travel drama surges in popularity on Netflix, spotlighting both familiar stars and breakthrough performances. Set against the backdrop of a rewoven history, the series stands out for its bold storytelling and the exceptional talent that brings its complex characters to life.
A Look Inside the Main Cast of 11.22.63
Stephen King’s 11.22.63 draws strength not only from its thrilling plot but also from its compelling ensemble. While the likes of James Franco and Lucy Fry may already be well-known to many, the series offers viewers a chance to see a mixture of celebrated actors and rising talents in powerful roles.
Adapted from King’s suspenseful novel, the eight-part series explores the consequences of altering history as a teacher, Jake Epping, ventures back to 1960 to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The drama’s success hinges significantly on the performances of its cast, each inhabiting their roles with depth and conviction. Below, each major character is listed alongside the actor who brings them to the screen, highlighting their career backgrounds and the roles they embody in the show:
1. James Franco as Jake Epping / James Amberson
2. Chris Cooper as Al Templeton
3. Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill
4. Lucy Fry as Marina Oswald
5. George MacKay as Bill Turcotte
6. Daniel Webber as Lee Harvey Oswald
7. Cherry Jones as Marguerite Oswald
8. Kevin J. O’Connor as Yellow Card Man
9. T. R. Knight as Johnny Clayton
10. Josh Duhamel as Frank Dunning
11. Joanna Douglas as Doris Dunning
James Franco as Jake Epping / James Amberson
James Franco leads the Stephen King 11.22.63 cast portraying schoolteacher Jake Epping, who is drawn into a mission to change the course of history. Franco, born on April 19, 1978, has been a constant on television and film screens since 1997, capturing audiences in iconic roles ranging from Daniel Desario in ‘Freaks and Geeks’ to Harry Osborn in ‘Spider-Man,’ and his award-winning turn as Tommy Wiseau in ‘The Disaster Artist.’
The character of Jake Epping is an ordinary educator whose strong moral compass propels him to accept the life-altering challenge suggested by his ill friend. He navigates a time portal—hidden in the pantry of a local diner—with the goal of preventing the Kennedy assassination, a choice that tests the boundaries of fate and duty. Franco’s Jake finds his greatest trial not only in his dangerous mission but also in the personal attachments he forms along the way.
Franco’s previous notable performances include:
- Daniel Desario – ‘Freaks and Geeks’
- James Dean – ‘James Dean’
- Harry Osborn – ‘Spider-Man’
- Saul Silver – ‘Pineapple Express’
- Tommy Wiseau – ‘The Disaster Artist’
His portrayal captures both the humility and the growing resolve of a man forced to confront history’s inexorable forces.
Chris Cooper as Al Templeton
Chris Cooper assumes the role of Al Templeton, the kindly yet troubled diner owner who sets the story of 11.22.63 into motion. Born July 9, 1951, and active since 1987, Cooper broke out with the legendary miniseries ‘Lonesome Dove.’ His career highlights include winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor with ‘Adaptation’ and delivering acclaimed performances in ‘American Beauty’ and ‘October Sky.’
Al Templeton, haunted by regret and terminal illness, reveals to Jake the existence of the time portal. He is the driving mentor figure, ushering the protagonist toward his historical quest. As inventor of the Fatburger and the soul of his diner, Al brings both heart and pragmatism to the narrative, his friendship shaping the journey from the very first episode.
Some of Cooper’s significant roles:
- July Johnson – ‘Lonesome Dove’
- John Hickam – ‘October Sky’
- Colonel Frank Fitts – ‘American Beauty’
- John Laroche – ‘Adaptation’
- Alvin Dewey – ‘Capote’
Al’s accelerated wisdom and hidden sorrow are central to the unfolding events in 11.22.63.
Sarah Gadon as Sadie Dunhill
Sarah Gadon delivers a nuanced portrayal of Sadie Dunhill, a pivotal figure who enters Jake’s life in the past. Born April 4, 1987, Gadon’s acting career began in 1998 and includes dramatic performances in ‘A Dangerous Method,’ ‘Enemy,’ and, most recently, as Linda Christian in ‘Ferrari.’ Her television work features roles in ‘True Detective’ and Netflix’s ‘Wayward.’
Sadie Dunhill stands as one of 11.22.63’s most compelling characters. As a librarian confronting her own personal struggles, Sadie’s outward shyness disguises immense inner strength and bravery, attributes that emerge as she develops a profound bond with Jake. Her presence grounds the story’s supernatural themes in real emotional stakes.
Gadon’s filmography includes:
- Emma Jung – ‘A Dangerous Method’
- Helen Claire – ‘Enemy’
- Princess Elizabeth – ‘A Royal Night Out’
- Elisa Montgomery – ‘True Detective’
- Linda Christian – ‘Ferrari’
Sadie’s evolution throughout the series highlights the personal costs of interfering with time.
Lucy Fry as Marina Oswald
Lucy Fry takes on the role of Marina Oswald, the reserved and troubled wife of Lee Harvey Oswald. Born March 14, 1992, and active since 2010, Fry rose to fame in Australia before securing Hollywood roles, including Stella Gigante in ‘Godfather of Harlem’ and Eve Thorogood in ‘Wolf Creek.’
Marina’s storyline illuminates the personal toll of political violence. As a Soviet immigrant struggling to adapt to life in America and enduring hardships imposed by her husband, Marina’s depiction provides a human lens through which the broader historical drama unfolds. Fry’s dedication included learning to speak Russian for the role’s authenticity.
Key past credits for Fry:
- Lissa Dragomir – ‘Vampire Academy’
- Tikka – ‘Bright’
- Eve Thorogood – ‘Wolf Creek’
- Stella Gigante – ‘Godfather of Harlem’
Her portrayal deepens the narrative’s emotional complexity, offering a glimpse into the collateral impact of historical events.
George MacKay as Bill Turcotte
George MacKay shines as Bill Turcotte, a character whose interactions with Jake Epping are critical to the story’s direction. Born March 13, 1992, and active since 2003, MacKay’s work includes standout performances in ‘1917’ as Lance Corporal William Schofield and supporting roles in acclaimed British films.
Bill is originally introduced as a bartender in the early 1960s and becomes entangled in Jake’s mission, partly through his intense dislike of Frank Dunning—a factor that triggers pivotal events within the series. Though Bill is not initially sympathetic, his evolving relationship with Jake propels the story’s central conflict.
Notable appearances by MacKay:
- Edmund ‘Eddie’ – ‘How I Live Now’
- Joe ‘Bromley’ Cooper – ‘Pride’
- Jack Marrowbone – ‘Marrowbone’
- Lance Corporal William Schofield – ‘1917’
- Preston – ‘Femme’
Bill Turcotte’s journey encapsulates the unintended consequences individuals may face in the pursuit of changing history.
Daniel Webber as Lee Harvey Oswald
Daniel Webber delivers an intense performance as Lee Harvey Oswald, the man central to the Kennedy assassination. Born June 28, 1988, and active since 2008, Webber is an Australian actor recognized for his roles in Marvel’s ‘The Punisher,’ as Jesse Evans in ‘Billy the Kid,’ and in the recent blockbuster ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.’
Webber’s Oswald is portrayed with both complexity and a realistic sense of volatility; the character’s narcissism and unpredictable anger drive much of the suspense. The series offers a multidimensional view of Oswald, navigating historical debate while remaining dramatically engaging.
Relevant roles include:
- Lewis Wilson – ‘The Punisher’
- Vince Neil – ‘The Dirt’
- Stephen Lee – ‘Escape from Pretoria’
- Jesse Evans – ‘Billy the Kid’
- War Boy – ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’
Webber’s performance anchors the show’s examination of one of the 20th century’s most unsettling mysteries.
Supporting Players in 11.22.63
Alongside the series’ lead performances, the supporting cast brings additional depth to the Stephen King 11.22.63 cast, each character adding critical intersections to the narrative.
Cherry Jones assumes the role of Marguerite Oswald, the formidable mother of Lee Harvey Oswald, shaping his formative years. Kevin J. O’Connor’s portrayal of the mysterious Yellow Card Man introduces a supernatural element, acting as the enigmatic guardian of the time portal. T. R. Knight embodies Johnny Clayton, whose turbulent relationship with Sadie Dunhill adds layers of personal conflict to the drama. Josh Duhamel takes on the role of Frank Dunning, the dangerous and unpredictable butcher whose actions ripple through Jake’s mission, while Joanna Douglas plays Doris Dunning, whose fate becomes a focal point for several key twists in the series.
The Heart of the Story: Historical Stakes and Emotional Depth
At its core, Stephen King’s 11.22.63 is not only a time travel thriller but a meditation on moral responsibility and the unpredictable consequences of changing the past. The series asks what it would mean to rewrite history—even for the noblest reasons—and whether an individual can ever truly outrun fate. Through its carefully chosen cast, 11.22.63 draws the audience deeply into both the grandeur of the historical moment and the raw, personal struggles of the people caught within it.
The combination of strong writing, historical drama, and rich characterizations ensures the Stephen King 11.22.63 cast will continue to resonate with new audiences, inspiring renewed interest in both the original novel and the events that shaped modern American history. As the show’s popularity rises, its legacy as one of the standout Stephen King television adaptations appears firmly cemented, with viewers eager to revisit the complicated world inhabited by Jake Epping and those he encounters on his perilous journey through time.
