News of the World stars a beloved American actor and a 12-year-old German actress, so how do you know them and the supporting cast? As the latest feature from director Paul Greengrass, the 2020 Western follows a Civil War veteran who looks after a kidnapped girl.
In News of the World, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd earns money by reporting the news throughout Texas in 1870. He meets a young girl named Johanna who was seemingly rescued from Native Americans, and agrees to take her back to Castroville, Texas, to reunite her with her aunt and uncle. During the trip, Captain Kidd learns that Johanna actually goes by "Cicada," and that she wants to remain with her adoptive parents. Written by Greengrass and Luke Davies, News of the World is based on Paulette Jiles' eponymous 2016 novel.
The News of the World main cast features a two-time Oscar winner as the male protagonist. In the primary female role, a German actress delivers a breakthrough performance after starring in the critically-acclaimed film System Crasher, which is currently streaming on Netflix. Here's a cast and character guide for News of the World.
Tom Hanks As Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd
Tom Hanks stars as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran from San Antonio who makes a meager living by traveling through Texas and reading the news. He agrees to accompany a young girl, Johanna, on a long journey to reunite her with her biological relatives. Throughout the trip, the two face a number of obstacles, and develop a deep bond.
In the '80s, Hanks starred in the TV series Bosom Buddies and later delivered a breakthrough performance in Big. During the '90s, he earned Oscar nominations for portraying Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia and Captain Miller in Saving Private Ryan, and also won a Best Actor Academy Award for his titular role in Forrest Gump. Hanks voices Woody in the Toy Story franchise and recently starred as Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Helena Zengel As Johanna Leonberger
Helena Zengel co-stars as Johanna Leonberger, a young girl from Castroville, Texas who was kidnapped during a raid by Native Americans, who eventually raise her as one of their own. She goes by the name "Cicada" and identifies her adoptive parents as Turning Water and Three Spotted.
Zengel starred as Luca in Dark Blue Girl and Bernadette "Benni" Klaaß in System Crasher.
The News Of The World Supporting Cast
Ray McKinnon (Above) as Simon Boudlin: A music teacher who briefly looks after Johanna. Ray McKinnon portrayed Reverend H.W. Smith in Deadwood and Phil Remington in Ford v Ferrari. He also appeared as Lincoln "Linc" Potter in Sons of Anarchy and reprised his role in Mayans M.C.
Mare Winningham as Doris Boudlin: Simon's wife. In the '80s, Mare Winningham portrayed Wendy Beamish in St. Elmo's Fire and Emily Carson in Turner & Hooch. The following decade, she earned an Oscar nomination for her performance as Georgia Flood in Georgia. Winningham recently appeared as Cherry Lockhart in The Affair and Jeannie Anderson in The Outsider.
Elizabeth Marvel as Ella Gannett: A business owner who speaks Kiowa with Johanna. Elizabeth Marvel portrayed 40-Year-Old Mattie in True Grit and Mrs. Jolly in Lincoln. She recently portrayed The General in Manifest and starred as Victoria Helstrom in Helstrom.
Neil Sandilands as Wilhelm Leonberger: Johanna's uncle. Neil Sandilands portrayed Eugene Venter in The Americans and Titus in The 100. He recently appeared as Clifford DeVoe aka The Thinker in The Flash.
Winsome Brown as Anna Leonberger: Wilhelm's wife and Johanna aunt. Winsome Brown portrays Dark Kryptonian in Supergirl and appeared as Susan Vickers in Tiny Pretty Things.
Thomas Francis Murphy as Mr. Farley: An Erath County man who confronts Captain Kidd about his wagon. Thomas Francis Murphy portrayed Reverend Lewis in Salem and Detective McGraw in Mindhunter. He also appeared as Brion in The Walking Dead and Hagamond Sheen in Filthy Rich.
Gabriel Ebert as Benjamin Farley: A member of Mr. Farley's crew. Gabriel Ebert portrayed Morris Bellamy in Mr. Mercedes and Gunnery Officer in The Mandalorian season 2.
Bill Camp as Willie: Captain Kidd's friend in San Antonio. Bill Camp portrayed Radburn in 12 Years a Slave and Detective Garrity in Joker. He recently appeared as Howard Salomon in The Outsider and Mr. Shaibel in The Queen's Gambit.
Michael Angelo Covino as Almay: A former member of the 1st Texas Infantry who chases after Captain Kidd and Johanna. Michael Angelo Covino portrayed Brad in All Wrong and Mike in The Climb (which he also directed).
Fred Hechinger as John Calley: A Farley employee who likes Captain Kidd's stories and offers to travel with him and Johanna. Fred Hechinger portrayed Trevor in Eighth Grade and Josh in Alex Strangelove.
News of the World released on Christmas Day 2020.