It is kind of wild when you think about it. Kiefer and Donald Sutherland. Two of the biggest names in Hollywood history, father and son, yet they barely ever shared the screen. That changed with the 2015 Western Forsaken. If you are looking into the cast of the movie Forsaken, you aren't just looking at a list of names. You're looking at a rare moment of cinematic history where a real-life family dynamic bleeds into a gritty, slow-burn frontier story.
Most people remember Kiefer from 24 and Donald from, well, basically everything from MASH* to The Hunger Games. Seeing them together as John Henry Clayton and Reverend Samuel Clayton feels heavy. It feels real.
The Heavy Hitters: Kiefer and Donald Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland plays John Henry Clayton. He’s a Civil War vet and a former gunslinger trying to put his past in a box. He comes home to find his mother dead and his father, played by Donald Sutherland, wanting absolutely nothing to do with his violent reputation.
The tension between them isn't just acting. Honestly, knowing their history—how they didn't really work together for decades—adds a layer of "oomph" to every scene. Donald’s Reverend Clayton is stiff, judgmental, and grieving. Kiefer’s John Henry is quiet, simmering, and desperate for some kind of absolution.
They did appear in Max Dugan Returns back in 1983, but that was a blip. In Forsaken, they are the heartbeat. It's the "Sutherland vs. Sutherland" showdown we waited thirty years for.
The Supporting Players Who Actually Steal the Show
You can’t talk about the cast of the movie Forsaken without mentioning Michael Wincott. He plays "Gentleman" Dave Turner. If you know Wincott’s voice—that raspy, gravel-on-velvet sound—you know he’s perfect for a Western. He’s a sophisticated killer. He’s the guy who respects John Henry but knows they’ll probably have to kill each other eventually. He’s arguably the best part of the whole movie.
Then there’s Demi Moore.
She plays Mary Alice Watson, John Henry’s old flame. Usually, in these types of movies, the "old flame" is just a plot device. But Moore brings a certain weariness to the role. She’s moved on, she’s married to Tom Watson (played by Greg Ellis), and she doesn't need a hero. She just wants to survive.
The Villains and the Townfolk
- Brian Cox as James McCurdy: Long before he was Logan Roy in Succession, Cox was playing this kind of ruthless, land-grabbing businessman. He’s the primary antagonist, the guy hiring thugs to force farmers off their land so the railroad can move in. He’s oily and great at it.
- Aaron Poole as Frank Tillman: If McCurdy is the brains, Tillman is the loose-cannon muscle. He’s the guy you love to hate. He’s twitchy, mean, and serves as the perfect foil to John Henry’s "I’m not holding a gun anymore" vow.
- Landon Liboiron as Will Pickard: A younger face in the crowd, adding to the sense of a community under siege.
- Siobhan Williams as Emily Chadwick: Providing more depth to the town's social fabric.
Why the Casting Works (And Where it Doesn't)
Directed by Jon Cassar—who worked with Kiefer for years on 24—the movie knows how to use its stars. It doesn't rush. Some people hate that. They wanted John Wick in the 1870s. Instead, they got a meditation on regret.
The chemistry between the Sutherlands is the obvious draw. But the casting of Michael Wincott as the "noble" villain is what keeps the movie from feeling like a Hallmark special with guns. Wincott and Kiefer have a weird, mutual respect on screen that feels more like a classic 1950s Western than a modern action flick.
One thing users often get wrong is thinking this is a high-octane shoot-em-up. It's not. If you’re watching for the cast of the movie Forsaken, you’re watching for the dialogue and the lingering stares. The action is saved for the very end, and when it happens, it’s fast and brutal.
Behind the Scenes and Real-World Context
The film was shot in Alberta, Canada. If the scenery looks familiar, it’s because those foothills have been the backdrop for dozens of Westerns. The production actually ran into some financial trouble during filming, with reports of crew members waiting on paychecks. It’s a miracle the movie turned out as polished as it did.
Rene Ohashi, the cinematographer, deserves a nod too. He captures the isolation of the Clayton farm in a way that makes the house feel like a prison for the Reverend and a sanctuary for John Henry.
What to Do if You Want More Like This
If you enjoyed the dynamic in Forsaken, you should definitely look into the 1983 film Max Dugan Returns just to see a teenage Kiefer and a prime Donald. It’s a totally different vibe, but it completes the set.
For those who want more of that specific Western grit, check out Unforgiven or Open Range. Forsaken clearly draws a lot of inspiration from the "retired gunman forced back into action" trope that Clint Eastwood perfected.
You can find Forsaken on most major streaming platforms or for digital rent. It’s a solid 90-minute watch that reminds us why character-driven stories still matter in an era of CGI explosions. Pay attention to the scenes in the church; that's where the real acting happens.
To get the most out of your viewing, watch it back-to-back with an episode of 24. Seeing Kiefer Sutherland go from the high-tech world of Jack Bauer to the dirt-covered boots of John Henry Clayton shows you just how much range the guy actually has.
Quick Reference for the Cast:
- John Henry Clayton: Kiefer Sutherland
- Reverend Samuel Clayton: Donald Sutherland
- Mary Alice Watson: Demi Moore
- James McCurdy: Brian Cox
- Gentleman Dave Turner: Michael Wincott
- Frank Tillman: Aaron Poole
Next time you're scrolling through a streaming library, don't skip over this one just because the title sounds generic. The cast of the movie Forsaken makes it worth the price of admission alone. It’s a rare chance to see a father and son resolve a lifetime of fictional (and perhaps a bit of real) tension on the screen.
Make sure to check the credits for the full list of stunt performers and local Canadian actors who filled out the town of Hadley; they did a lot of the heavy lifting to make the world feel lived-in.