Cast of Warfare 2025 – Full List of Actors and Their Roles

Co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza.

Warfare was released in U.S. theaters on April 11, 2025.

Distributed by A24 in the United States and several other countries.

Movie Review

Warfare (2025), directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, delivers a brutal and realistic portrayal of the 2006 Battle of Ramadi.

The film’s raw and unflinching depiction of combat is a departure from traditional war movies, focusing on the immediate, visceral experiences of soldiers rather than glorifying heroism.

The ensemble cast, featuring Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, and Michael Gandolfini, delivers powerful performances that enhance the film’s emotional depth.

The film’s minimalistic storytelling and real-time combat approach provide an intense and immersive viewing experience, though its lack of broader political context and Iraqi perspectives has sparked some critique.

The sound design and cinematography further elevate the tension, making it a nerve-shredding experience for viewers.

Ratings:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

• IMDb: 7.8/10

• Metacritic: 85/100

• CinemaScore: A-

• Google Audience Score: 92% liked this film

Warfare 2025 Actors

Will Poulter as Erik

DOB: January 28, 1993

Bio: Born in Hammersmith, London, Poulter’s career took off after his role in Son of Rambow (2007), followed by a standout role in The Revenant (2015), where he was nominated for multiple awards.

Known for his versatility, he’s also starred in Midsommar (2019).

Poulter’s physical transformation for roles like The Maze Runner franchise and his more dramatic work in The Revenant has cemented him as a sought-after actor.

Role: Erik, a seasoned SEAL officer, is a tactical genius who carries the emotional weight of leading his team through combat.

What to Expect: A raw and intense portrayal of a leader who struggles with his moral compass while making tough decisions.

Poulter’s performance promises a blend of vulnerability and strength.

Favorite Things: Poulter enjoys cooking and shares his culinary adventures on social media.

He’s also an advocate for mental health awareness.

Notable Works: The Revenant, Midsommar, The Maze Runner.

Joseph Quinn as Sam

DOB: January 26, 1994

Bio: Born in London, Joseph Quinn rose to international fame for his role as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things (Season 4).

Before that, he was known for his stage work and roles in British dramas like Les Misérables and Game of Thrones.

His portrayal of Eddie Munson earned him a massive fan following and showcased his impressive range.

Role: Sam, a loyal and introspective soldier who struggles with trauma from past missions.

His character faces the moral conflicts of being in an unrelenting war.

What to Expect: Quinn’s understated yet emotional performance will bring Sam’s inner turmoil to life, capturing the humanity and horror of war.

Favorite Things: Quinn loves music, especially playing the guitar.

He also enjoys hiking and spending time in nature.

Notable Works: Stranger Things, Les Misérables, Game of Thrones.

Charles Melton as Jake

DOB: January 4, 1991

Bio: Melton, originally from Alaska, made his mark on television through his portrayal of Reggie Mantle on Riverdale (2017–2023).

Prior to Riverdale, he had roles in several TV series and films, including The Sun Is Also a Star (2019).

Known for his charismatic screen presence, Melton has transitioned into more complex roles, showcasing his range as a dramatic actor.

Role: Jake, a soldier who deals with the psychological toll of warfare, often finding solace in his comrades.

What to Expect: Melton brings emotional depth to his portrayal, showing how trauma affects even the strongest soldiers.

His performance will highlight the cost of war on the mind and spirit.

Favorite Things: Melton is passionate about fashion and fitness.

He enjoys working out and is involved in multiple charity projects focused on mental health and wellbeing.

Notable Works: Riverdale, The Sun Is Also a Star, May December.

Cosmo Jarvis as Elliot Miller

DOB: September 1, 1989

Bio: Jarvis, an English actor and musician, has built a reputation for his raw and compelling performances in films such as Lady Macbeth (2016) and Calm with Horses (2019).

He’s known for playing complex, emotionally volatile characters.

His musical talents also add another layer to his acting, often drawing on music to deepen his roles.

Role: Elliot Miller, a sniper and medic, who must navigate the trauma of war while trying to maintain his humanity.

What to Expect: Jarvis’s performance will offer a nuanced take on a man torn between compassion and violence.

His portrayal will resonate with those who understand the psychological toll of being on the front lines.

Favorite Things: Aside from acting, Jarvis is a passionate musician and a skilled guitarist. He’s also a dedicated animal lover.

Notable Works: Lady Macbeth, Calm with Horses, Persuasion.

Kit Connor as Tommy

DOB: March 8, 2004

Bio: Kit Connor, known for his breakout role as Nick Nelson in Heartstopper (2022), has become a rising star in both film and television.

His ability to capture the vulnerability and strength of his characters has earned him critical acclaim.

Connor’s early career also includes a role in Rocketman (2019), where he played a young Elton John.

Role: Tommy, the youngest member of the platoon, who must quickly adapt to the brutal realities of combat.

What to Expect: Connor’s portrayal will be a touching and heartbreaking journey as Tommy goes from innocence to hardened soldier.

Favorite Things: Kit loves music, particularly playing the piano, and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Notable Works: Heartstopper, Rocketman, The Wild Robot.

Michael Gandolfini as Lieutenant McDonald

DOB: May 10, 1999

Bio: Son of the late James Gandolfini, Michael has made a name for himself in his own right with roles in The Many Saints of Newark (2021) and Cherry (2021).

He’s also appeared in TV series like The Deuce (2017–19).

Gandolfini is slowly building a legacy of his own, with a mix of indie and larger-scale projects.

Role: Lieutenant McDonald, the officer overseeing critical military operations, whose decisions are life and death.

What to Expect: Gandolfini brings a commanding presence to the role, portraying McDonald’s internal struggle with the weight of his authority.

Favorite Things: Michael is a lover of film, often citing his father’s work as a major inspiration.

He enjoys reading and playing video games in his downtime.

Notable Works: The Many Saints of Newark, Cherry, The Deuce.

Noah Centineo as Brian/Zawi

DOB: May 9, 1996

Bio: Centineo gained fame with his starring role in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) and its sequels, becoming a Netflix teen-romance icon.

Recently, he’s ventured into action with Black Adam (2022) and the Netflix series The Recruit (2022–2025).

Role: Brian/Zawi, a soldier who is caught in a conflict between loyalty to his unit and the horrors of war.

What to Expect: Centineo’s charm and emotional depth will elevate Brian’s character arc, making his eventual transformation one of the film’s highlights.

Favorite Things: Centineo enjoys playing basketball, music production, and is active in environmental advocacy.

Notable Works: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Black Adam, The Recruit.

Finn Bennett as John

DOB: December 27, 1999

Bio: A rising star from the UK, Bennett has made a mark in True Detective: Night Country (2024) and Domina (2021).

His solid performances have garnered him critical attention, and he is poised for more lead roles in the future.

Role: John, the communications officer who faces the pressure of keeping the team connected under intense fire.

What to Expect: Bennett brings a grounded intensity to John, showcasing the emotional toll on those who bear the weight of keeping a team alive.

Favorite Things: Bennett enjoys photography, hiking, and exploring nature.

Notable Works: True Detective: Night Country, Domina, Black Doves.

Taylor John Smith as Frank

DOB: May 13, 1995

Bio: Smith is an American actor known for his roles in Sharp Objects (2018) and Where the Crawdads Sing (2022).

His performances typically involve deep emotional range and an ability to portray complex, often conflicted characters.

Role: Frank, the platoon’s sniper who deals with the reality of his actions during combat.

What to Expect: Smith’s portrayal is expected to showcase a sniper’s duality—the calm of the shot and the inner chaos it causes.

Favorite Things: Smith is a huge fan of music, especially alternative rock, and enjoys working out.

Notable Works: Sharp Objects, Where the Crawdads Sing, The Outpost.

Adain Bradley as Sergeant Laerrrus

DOB: May 7, 1998

Bio: Known for his role in Industry (2020), Bradley is a rising actor with a knack for portraying multi-faceted, complex characters.

His ability to bring depth to roles has positioned him as one to watch in upcoming projects.

Role: Sergeant Laerrrus, a seasoned veteran who provides guidance to the younger soldiers, offering insight into the psychological toll of combat.

What to Expect: Bradley’s performance will be a balance of wisdom and weariness, giving viewers an understanding of the burden soldiers carry.

Favorite Things: Bradley practices martial arts and enjoys reading historical fiction.

He is also passionate about photography and often shares his work on social media.

Notable Works: Riverdale, All American, Tarot.

Henry Zaga as Aaron

DOB: April 30, 1993

Bio: Henry Zaga is a Brazilian actor who has built a successful career in both film and television.

He is best known for his roles in The New Mutants (2020) and 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020), where he portrayed the character of Brad.

Zaga’s diverse career includes work in both American and international productions, showing his ability to adapt to different cultures and genres.

Role: Aaron, a soldier in the platoon who is often seen as the emotional anchor for his comrades.

He offers moments of reflection and vulnerability amidst the chaos of battle.

What to Expect: Zaga will portray a deeply empathetic character, providing emotional depth to the story.

His performance is likely to bring out the trauma and humanity faced by soldiers in war.

Favorite Things: Zaga enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and sharing experiences with his followers.

He also has a love for cooking and trying out different cuisines.

Notable Works: The New Mutants, 13 Reasons Why, Teen Wolf.

Evan Holtzman as Brock

DOB: March 31, 1978

Bio: Evan Holtzman is an American actor best known for his role in the critically acclaimed indie film Benny’s Bathtub (2019).

Holtzman’s nuanced performances have earned him praise for his versatility and the emotional depth he brings to his roles.

He is slowly establishing himself as a talent to watch in the industry.

Role: Brock, the pragmatic member of the team who has seen it all and struggles with the notion of what’s right and wrong in the midst of war.

What to Expect: Holtzman’s portrayal will add a level of grit and realism to the story, offering a look at how soldiers grapple with difficult moral decisions.

Favorite Things: Holtzman loves hiking, photography, and is passionate about mental health advocacy.

He enjoys spending time in nature as a way to recharge.

Notable Works: Hit Man, The Inspectors, Civil War.

More Actors

• D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Ray Mendoza

• Alex Brockdorff as Mikey

• Aaron Deakins as Bob

• Donya Hussen as Noor

FAQ – Warfare 2025

How long is the film?

Warfare has a runtime of 95 minutes.

Where can I watch Warfare?

Warfare is available for digital purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime, Fandango At Home, and Apple TV.

What is Warfare (2025) about?

Warfare is a war drama co-directed by Alex Garland and former Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza.

It portrays a real-life 2006 mission in Ramadi, Iraq, experienced by Mendoza and his platoon.

The film is based on Mendoza’s memories and those of his fellow soldiers, aiming to reconstruct the events with authenticity. PEOPLE

Is the film based on a true story?

Yes, Warfare is based on real events. It recounts a 2006 mission in Ramadi, Iraq, experienced by Ray Mendoza and his platoon.

What is the film’s dedication?

Warfare is dedicated to platoon member Elliott Miller, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis in the film.

Miller lost his leg and the ability to speak during the incident depicted in the film. 

Conclusion

Warfare (2025) is an intense and thought-provoking film that pulls viewers into the heart of combat, showcasing the unrelenting nature of modern warfare.

Its immersive approach, supported by a talented cast, creates a harrowing experience that doesn’t shy away from the brutal reality of battle.

While the film’s minimal narrative and focus on the immediacy of war may not offer much political or historical context, it excels in delivering a visceral and authentic portrayal of soldiers on the front lines.

For those seeking a gripping, no-frills war film that emphasizes realism and emotional intensity, Warfare is a standout choice.

With stellar performances and a commitment to authenticity, it stands out in the genre of combat cinema.