Directed by Mikael Håfström, Outside the Wire will appeal to MCU fans with its primary headliner, Anthony Mackie, but where else do you recognize the cast from? Interestingly enough, it is an up-and-comer that arguably steals the show. The 2021 Netflix film doesn't necessarily feature a master class in acting, but there's enough star power to pique the interest of curious streamers.
Outside the Wire takes place during a European civil war. When a mysterious criminal named Victor Koval becomes too much to handle for the U.S. government, troops are sent overseas to intervene. In a narrative twist, it's immediately revealed that America sends over "Gumps," which are essentially robotic killing machines. The central storyline focuses on a disgraced drone pilot named Thomas Harp, who rejects a direct order and subsequently drops a bomb on civilians and fellow U.S. comrades. He's later recruited by a hard-nosed officer named Leo (played by the MCU's Falcon, Anthony Mackie), who is actually a fourth-generation biotech soldier, one who establishes himself as the prototypical Alpha Male. Harp and Leo then venture "outside the wire" to deliver vaccines during a cholera outbreak. From there, a looming insurgency becomes a major problem.
The Outside the Wire main cast has enough clout to make the somewhat underwhelming film a streaming hit. Not only is there an MCU star with a large fanbase, but also a villain from Game of Thrones. Despite all the male bravado, though, female viewers may be left wondering about the lack of strong women characters in the film, aside from a supporting player. Here's a full breakdown of the cast and characters for Outside the Wire on Netflix.
Anthony Mackie As Leo
Anthony Mackie stars as Leo, a fourth-generation U.S. biotech soldier with unclear motivations. In the MCU, Mackie portrays Sam Wilson/Falcon and headlines the upcoming Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He previously starred as Sergeant JT Sanborn in The Hurt Locker and most recently portrayed Takeshi Kovacs in Altered Carbon season 2.
Damson Idris As Thomas Harp
Damson Idris also headlines as Thomas Harp, a disgraced U.S. drone pilot who gets recruited by Leo. Idris starred as Franklin Stain in the FX series Snowfall. Netflix audiences may also recognize him as Jaden from the Black Mirror episode "Smithereens," while CBS All-Access fans may know him from The Twilight Zone season 1 episode "Replay."
Emily Beecham As Sofiya
Emily Beecham co-stars as Parker, one of Leo's contacts who doesn't have a high opinion of the drone pilot Harp. Beecham is best known for portraying Dierdre in Hail, Caesar! and the title character in Daphne. She also appeared as The Widow in Into the Badlands.
The Outside The Wire Supporting Cast
Pilou Asbæk as Victor Koval: The main villain who wants to blow up everything with nukes. Pilou Asbæk portrayed Euron Greyjoy in Game of Thrones and Batou in Ghost in the Shell. He also appeared in Overlord as Wafner.
Michael Kelly as Clank: Leo and Harp's superior. Netflix streamers may know Michael Kelly as Doug Stamper from House of Cards. He also portrayed Mike November in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and Steve Lombard in Man of Steel.
Henry Garrett as Brydon: Harp's superior. Henry Garrett played a guard in Zero Dark Thirty and also appeared as a technician in the 2016 movie Criminal.
Kristina Tonteri-Young as Corporal Mandy Bale: Harp's military colleague who initially questions his decision to disobey a direct order. Kristina Tonteri-Young made her on-screen debut as Sister Beatrice in the popular 2020 Netflix series Warrior Nun.
Enzo Cilenti as Sergeant Miller: One of Harp's colleagues who isn't in-the-know about a covert mission. Enzo Cilenti had a small role in Guardians of the Galaxy and later portrayed Bernie in Free Fire.
Velibor Topic as Oshlank: An arms dealer who provides intel on Koval's whereabouts. After portraying Almaric in Kingdom of Heaven, Velibor Topic landed henchman roles in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Mission: Impossible - Fallout.
Outside the Wire on Netflix was written by Rob Yescombe and Rowan Athale.