When you search for the 11/22/63 Netflix cast, you are looking for the people behind the time-travel story that jumps from 2011 to 1960s Jodie, Maine. This guide explains who plays each major character and how they fit into the story, with concise, verified details that stay useful whether you are starting the series or revisiting it. Below you will find the core cast, their characters, and how the show defines their goals and relationships.
Jake Epping: The Time-Traveling Teacher
Jake Epping is the protagonist, a high-school teacher in 2011 who is asked to travel to 1960 to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The role is played by James Franco, whose grounded performance anchors the series’ mix of personal struggle and historical intrigue. Supporting characters such as Sadie Dunhill and Al Templeton deepen the narrative layers, making Jake’s mission both personal and political.
Key Jake Epping Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | James Franco | Series credits |
| Character role | Teacher and time traveler | Series premise |
| Mission | Prevent JFK assassination | Source material and series |
| Base year | 2011 | Story setup |
| Destination year | 1960 | Story setup |
Sadie Dunhill: The 1960s Connection
Sadie Dunhill, portrayed by Sarah Gadon in the series, is a key figure Jake meets in 1960. Her relationship with Jake becomes central to the emotional arc of the show. As a performer caught up in the era’s turbulence, she represents the stakes of changing history and the risks inherent in Jake’s choices.
Sadie Dunhill at a Glance
- Actor: Sarah Gadon
- Character: Singer and ally in 1960
- Role in plot: Emotional anchor and historical link
- Dynamic: Intertwined with Jake’s mission and moral questions
Al Templeton: The Catalyst
Al Templeton, played by Chris Cooper, is the diner owner who first reveals the time portal to Jake and urges him to act. His urgency and conviction drive the early episodes, establishing the rules and consequences of time travel in the show. Cooper’s measured intensity adds gravity to the concept of altering the past.
Quick Reference: Al Templeton
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Chris Cooper | Series credits |
| Character role | Diner owner and initiator | Series premise |
| Key trait | Determined, urgency-driven | On-screen portrayal |
| Relationship to Jake | Mysterious mentor figure | Episode exposition |
Bill Turcotte: The Local Presence
Bill Turcotte, played by Josh Duhamel, is the small-town figure in 1960 whose life intertwines with Jake’s mission. As a respected member of the community, Bill represents both the stability of the past and the potential fallout from Jake’s interventions. Duhamel brings a recognizable, steady presence that contrasts with the story’s larger historical stakes.
Bill Turcotte Snapshot
- Actor: Josh Duhamel
- Character role: Local figure in 1960
- Contribution: Grounded counterpoint to time-travel stakes
- On-screen dynamic: Community anchor affected by changing events
Additional Cast and Historical Context
The supporting cast of 11/22/63 expands the story beyond the central trio, incorporating period details and narrative tension. While the lead roles drive the time-travel mechanism, the broader ensemble reinforces the atmosphere of 1960s Maine and the high stakes of Jake’s mission. The series is based on Stephen King’s novel, which informs the character motivations and historical backdrop shown in the show.
Why the Cast Matters to the Story
The cast of 11/22/63 shapes how the series balances personal drama with historical intrigue. Each actor’s performance contributes to the plausibility of the time-travel premise and the emotional weight of Jake’s choices. Understanding who plays who helps viewers track relationships, motivations, and the consequences of altering key moments in the past.
Cast at a Glance: Main Roles and Actors
| Character | Actor | Role Summary | Key Function in Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Epping | James Franco | Teacher and time traveler | Drives the mission to prevent JFK’s assassination |
| Sadie Dunhill | Sarah Gadon | Singer and local connection in 1960 | Emotional anchor and historical link |
| Al Templeton | Chris Cooper | Diner owner who initiates the mission | Catalyst who sets the plan in motion |
| Bill Turcotte | Josh Duhamel | Community figure in 1960 | Represents local stability affected by time travel |
Final Takeaways
Clarifying the 11/22/63 Netflix cast helps you follow the show’s mix of character-driven drama and historical speculation. James Franco, Sarah Gadon, Chris Cooper, and Josh Duhamel lead a cast that connects personal motives to large-scale events. Knowing who plays whom and why these roles matter makes it easier to appreciate the stakes, relationships, and long-term consequences at the heart of the series.