Who stars in Cherry, and how do you know the main players? Now streaming on Apple TV+, the 2021 biographical drama stars Tom Holland as a U.S. Army veteran with PTSD who robs banks to support his heroin addiction. The film is based on the real-life story of Nico Walker and adapted from his semi-autobiographical novel by the same name. It was directed by Holland's frequent MCU collaborators Anthony and Joe Russo.
Cherry jumps back and forth in time while telling the life story of its titular character (Holland). In college, Cherry falls in love with a charming girl named Emily, but also signs up for the U.S. Army and serves as a medic in the Iraq War. After a traumatic experience in the "Triangle of Death," Cherry returns home and quickly becomes hooked on Oxycontin, a way to briefly escape his haunting memories. In a tragic twist, both he and Emily develop an addiction to heroin, which sets up the second-half conflict.
Aside from Holland, the Cherry main cast includes former child star, Ciara Bravo. In addition, Jack Reynor provides some extra star power, as he's best known for portraying Christian Hughes in Midsommar. Since the primary focus is on Holland, though, many of the side players come and go, with the exception being Cherry's best friend, James Lightfoot. Here's a complete cast and character guide for Cherry.
Tom Holland As Cherry
Tom Holland stars as Cherry, a U.S. Army veteran whose life spirals out of control after he returns home from the Iraq War. He clings to his girlfriend Emily for emotional support, but they ultimately become co-dependent while battling addiction issues. Holland is best known for starring as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the MCU. He made his feature debut as Lucas in The Impossible before later starring in In the Heart of the Sea and The Lost City of Z, and recently appeared as Arvin in The Devil All the Time. Holland's upcoming MCU movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, will release in December 2021.
Ciara Bravo As Emily
Ciara Bravo c0-stars as Emily, Cherry's girlfriend. She's immediately captivated by Cherry but feels blindsided when he joins the army. Emily stays loyal to her boyfriend but ultimately relies on him to fuel her drug habit. Bravo portrayed Emma Chota in Red Band Society and Tracy in To the Bone. She also starred as Delilah Luccetti in the TV series Wayne and appeared as Mary Smith in A Teacher season 1.
Jack Reynor As Pills & Coke
Jack Reynor portrays Pills & Coke, a drug dealer who is partially responsible for Cherry's continued decline. Reynor portrayed Shane Dyson in Transformers: Age of Extinction and Brendan in Sing Street. He also starred as Christian in the 2019 film Midsommar.
Michael Rispoli As Tommy
Michael Rispoli has a small role as Tommy, a wiseguy-type character that Cherry looks after early in the film. Rispoli portrayed Jackie Aprile in The Sopranos and Big Joe in Kick-Ass. He recently appeared as Richie Sansome in Billions and Rudy Pipilo in The Deuce.
Jeff Wahlberg As Jimenez
Jeff Wahlberg portrays Jimenez, a medic and one of Cherry's closest friends during the Iraq War. Wahlberg appeared as Mickey Smalley in Don't Come Back from the Moon. He also portrayed Diego in Dora and the Lost City of Gold.
Forrest Goodluck As James Lightfoot
Forrest Goodluck portrays James Lightfoot, Cherry's long-time best friend in Joe and Anthony Russo's film. Because James struggles with his own addiction issues, he inadvertently causes more problems for Holland's character. Goodluck portrayed Hawk in The Revenant and Adam in The Miseducation of Cameron Post.
Cherry's Supporting Cast
Michael Gandolfini (above left) as Cousin Joe: Cherry's neighborhood friend who joins the Marines and struggles upon returning home from the Iraq War. Michael Gandolfini portrayed Joey Dwyer in The Deuce and Tony Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark. He's the son of the late James Gandolfini.
Daniel R. Hill as Black: A drug boss with a face tattoo who is barely seen during a car sequence. Daniel R. Hill portrayed Cheetah in Point Blank and Reggie in Wrong Turn (2021).
Thomas Lennon as Cherry's dad: A doctor who suggests that Cherry try oxycontin. Thomas Lennon starred as Lieutenant Jim Dangle in Reno 911! and portrayed Doug in I Love You, Man.
Damon Wayans Jr. as Masters: A drill sergeant who briefly appears when Cherry joins the U.S. Army. Damon Wayans Jr. portrayed Brad Williams in Happy Endings and Darlie Bunkle in the 2021 movie Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.
Kelli Berglund as Madison: Cherry's high school girlfriend. Kelli Berglund portrayed Young Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon, Olivia in Animal Kingdom, and Ren in The Goldbergs.
Cherry released in theaters before premiering on Apple TV+ in March 2021.
