Rez Ball (2024): Full list of cast in the movie
Rez Ball is set to release on September 27, 2024, on Netflix, making it a must-watch sports drama for basketball enthusiasts. Sydney Freeland's film captures Native American reservation basketball's spirit of perseverance and unity. Produced by basketball icon LeBron James, the film promises to deliver sports excitement and heartfelt moments.
The story follows New Mexico high school basketball team Chuska Warriors fighting for a state championship while grieving their star player. Challenges and intense matches unite the team, demonstrating their community and culture. Starring famous actors and talented newcomers, the film beautifully blends sports action with a deep cultural narrative.
Many familiar faces from other popular films and series star in Rez Ball's emotional and inspiring story. The Chuska Warriors' journey will be told through each character, adding depth and excitement to this high-stakes basketball drama. Below is the full cast and role descriptions for this highly anticipated film.
The official synopsis on Netflix says:
"After losing their star player, a high school basketball team rooted in Native American culture must unite to keep their state championship dreams alive."
Main Cast of Rez Ball
The lead roles in Rez Ball feature a talented ensemble cast that brings the high school basketball drama to life:
Jessica Matten
Jessica Matten plays one of the central characters, well-known for her role in Dark Winds and Tribal. Her strong presence adds to the emotional core of the film.
Julia Jones
Julia Jones, recognized for her performances in The Mandalorian and Westworld, adds depth to the team’s narrative, playing a key role in the Warriors' journey.
Amber Midthunder
Amber Midthunder, who starred in Prey and Legion, takes on a pivotal character, shaping the team's determination to succeed.
Kiowa Gordon
Kiowa Gordon, known for Dark Winds and Reservation Dogs, plays a crucial role in the Warriors' quest for victory.
Dallas Goldtooth
Dallas Goldtooth, another popular actor from Reservation Dogs, joins the team, adding layers of humor and resilience.
Cody Lightning
Cody Lightning brings his talents from Echo and The X-Files to this film, giving an emotionally charged performance.
These well-known actors are the backbone of the film, each adding a unique flavor to the characters of the Chuska Warriors.
Supporting Cast of Rez Ball
Apart from the main actors, Rez Ball features a list of supporting cast members who play significant roles in the narrative:
Ernest Tsosie (Better Call Saul), Kauchani H. Bratt, Devin Sampson Craig and River Rayne Thomas offer standout performances as key members of the basketball team.
Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr., Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Castellane, Kusem Goodwind and Zoey Reyes round out the cast, portraying the teammates and community members who are integral to the Warriors' fight for the championship.
Each of these actors adds depth to the community’s spirit and the dynamics of the team as they navigate the challenges of the season. The casting process was highly competitive, with over 5,000 submissions for just 10 roles. Sydney Freeland ensured that the chosen cast could authentically portray the athleticism and emotional nuances of their characters.
Directors and producers
Rez Ball is directed by Sydney Freeland, who's not only a skilled filmmaker but also a passionate basketball fan. Freeland and co-writer Sterlin Harjo (Reservation Dogs) wrote a screenplay about their Native American upbringing.
The film was produced by some of the biggest names in the industry: LeBron James and his production company, The SpringHill Company, brought their expertise to this powerful narrative.
Maurício Mota and Katie Elmore Mota of Wise Entertainment contributed their experience, having produced successful series like East Los High. Additional producers include Nancy Utley (Lake Ellyn Entertainment), Spencer Beighley and Jamal Henderson (The SpringHill Company).
This strong production team ensured that Rez Ball stayed true to its roots while delivering a universally appealing sports drama.
Rez Ball showcases a group of actors, both familiar and new, who come together to tell a powerful underdog story. With strong performances by Jessica Matten, Julia Jones, Amber Midthunder and others, the cast brilliantly brings the Chuska Warriors’ journey to life.
The production team, including Sydney Freeland and LeBron James, ensures that this film will stand out in the sports drama genre. Make sure to catch Rez Ball when it premieres on Netflix on September 27, 2024.