Ti West's inventive new slasher X packs several larger-than-life characters and a genre-perfect cast. First premiering on March 13th, 2022, at SXSW festival and released domestically on March 18th, 2022, Ti West's "erotic slasher" X has opened to rave reviews. In particular, critics have cited X's desire to return to a classic slice-and-dice formula that firmly acts as a poignant homage to slasher classics such as John Carpenter's Halloween and Alfred Sole's Alice, Sweet Alice.
X follows a brash film crew as they arrive at a secluded farmhouse in Texas to shoot a pornographic film in the late 1970s. Their elderly hosts, at first shocked by the amount of cast and crew members involved in the shoot, eventually, take a leering interest in proceedings. However, as night falls, this reclusive elderly couple's emotional baggage becomes increasingly apparent - leading to violent and bloody consequences.
X's already stellar story is undoubtedly enhanced by the cast Ti West enlists for his pitch-perfect slasher. In particular, horror stalwarts such as Brittany Snow and the newly crowned scream queen of 2022 Jenna Ortega perform with aplomb in West's ode to the risque slashers of old. As a result, here's the cast and character guide for X, as well as where you know each actor from.
Jenna Ortega as Lorraine
The shy-yet-steely Lorraine is the sound girl for wannabe porn-pioneer RJ's production crew, as well as RJ's new girlfriend. As X progresses, Lorraine begins to come out of her shell, even attempting to star in RJ's project, but her newfound confidence coincides with the murderous intentions of their backwoods hosts. Lorraine is played by Jenna Ortega, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise as the slasher genre's new it-girl in the movies Scream 2022, Studio 666, and The Babysitter: Killer Queen.
Mia Goth as Maxine & Pearl
One of RJ's film's performers, the starry-eyed Maxine initially appears to be grist for Ti West's slasher mill before coming into her own as the bodies pile up around her, while Pearl is one half of the elderly couple who own the farm the movie is set at. In a dual role, Mia Goth plays both Maxine and Pearl. Goth is best known for her similar horror roles in the movies Suspiria (2018) and High Life. Goth's will return to star in Ti West's X prequel, Pearl, which will detail that character's origins.
Owen Campbell as RJ
RJ is the high-minded director of the group's latest porn project, who has grand visions for his troupe despite filming their scenes in a dilapidated barn. RJ's insistence on perfection soon works against him, however, as his actors start to go missing one by one. Owen Campbell plays the uncompromising RJ and has starred in similarly-themed movies such as Super Dark Times and Depraved.
X's Supporting Cast & Characters
Martin Henderson as Wayne: Wannabe adult film producer Wayne is the admittedly limited bankroll behind RJ's pornographic vision, as well as Maxine's boyfriend. Wayne is played by Martin Henderson, who has starred in The Strangers: Prey at Night, Smokin' Aces, and Devil's Knot.
Scott Mescudi as Jackson Hole: The aptly named Jackson Hole is an up-and-coming 70's porn actor brought in to add star power to RJ & Wayne's production. Hole is played by Scott Mescudi, who, despite still being best known by his musical moniker Kid Cudi, has also recently appeared in several big-name movies such as Don't Look Up and Bill & Ted Face the Music.
Brittany Snow as Bobby-Lynne: Bobby-Lynne is an out-of-work burlesque dancer brought into RJ's film by her boyfriend, Jackson Hole. Bobby-Lynne is played by Brittany Snow, who is no stranger to the horror genre after turns in the Prom Night remake and Would You Rather.
Stephen Ure as Howard: The owner of the rickety barn and cabins RJ's crew puts to use, Howard's murderous motivations are quickly revealed to the group. Howard is played by Stephen Ure, who is best known for playing several evil creatures in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
James Gaylyn as Sheriff Dentler: Sheriff Dentler is the unwitting law enforcement officer called in to investigate the carnage at Howard's property in X. Sheriff Dentler is played by James Gaylyn, who is best known for voicing numerous Power Rangers characters in the original animated series.