Midway Movie Cast and Real-Life Characters Explained

Directed by Roland Emmerich, known for his work on Independence Day, the 2019 film Midway emerges as a noteworthy entry in the war film genre, featuring an impressive ensemble cast. Drawing inspiration from the real events of World War II, the film navigates pivotal moments such as the Pearl Harbor attack and the consequential Battle of Midway. Packed with recognizable stars from both film and television, Midway stands out among contemporary war movies.

This film is not the first to portray the legendary naval clash, following the original 1976 adaptation that starred icons like Henry Fonda and Robert Mitchum. However, Midway has gained acclaim, reflected in a remarkable 92% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 10,000 reviews. Critics lauded the cast’s performances, noting that they “solidly inhabit their roles and pay homage to the historical figures they depict.”

Actor	Character
Ed Skrein	Lieutenant Dick Best
Patrick Wilson	Lieutenant Commander Edwin Layton
Luke Evans	Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky
Aaron Eckhart	Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle
Nick Jonas	Aviation Machinist’s Mate Bruno Gaido
Luke Kleintank	Lieutenant Clarence Dickinson Jr.
Darren Criss	Lieutenant Commander Eugene Lindsey
Keean Johnson	Chief Aviation Radioman James Murray
Alexander Ludwig	Lieutenant Roy Pearce
Dennis Quaid	Vice Admiral William “Bull”Halsey
Woody Harrelson	Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Etsushi Toyokawa	Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
Tadanobu Asano	Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi
Jun Kunimura	Vice Admiral Chūichi Nagumo
Mandy Moore	Anne Best

Ed Skrein as Lieutenant Dick Best

Born March 29, 1983

Active Since: 2012

Actor: Ed Skrein, a British actor, burst onto the global scene in 2012, gaining acclaim for his portrayal of Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones. Since then, he’s starred in major films such as Deadpool and Alita: Battle Angel, and he recently earned praise for his role in All the Light We Cannot See. Skrein is set to appear in the highly anticipated Jurassic World Rebirth in 2025.

Character: In Midway, he plays Dick Best, a brave U.S. Navy dive bomber pilot pivotal in the sinking of enemy aircraft carriers during the actual Battle of Midway.

Patrick Wilson as Lieutenant Commander Edwin Layton

Born July 3, 1973

Active Since: 1995

Actor: Virginia native Patrick Wilson began his career on Broadway before breaking into television and film, notably earning an Emmy nomination for his role in Angels in America. He is celebrated for his performances in horror franchises such as The Conjuring and Insidious, and has recently made his directorial debut in Insidious: Red Door.

Character: Wilson portrays Edwin Layton, a notable U.S. Navy officer known for his strategic intelligence contributions during the war.

Luke Evans as Lieutenant Commander Wade McClusky

Born April 15, 1979

Active Since: 2000

Actor: Welsh actor Luke Evans rose to fame with roles in The Hobbit and Immortals. Known for his dynamic presence on screen, he has also starred in critically acclaimed series like The Alienist.

Character: Evans plays Wade McClusky, credited as a key decision-maker during the pivotal moments of the Battle of Midway.

Aaron Eckhart as Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle

Born March 12, 1968

Active Since: 1992

Actor: From his breakout role in Erin Brockovich to his iconic performance as Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, Aaron Eckhart has established a rich filmography that spans over three decades. His diverse roles have showcased his acting versatility across various genres.

Character: Eckhart brings to life Jimmy Doolittle, an esteemed American general known for his significant innovations in aviation and military strategy.

Nick Jonas as Aviation Machinist’s Mate Bruno Gaido

Born September 16, 1992

Active Since: 1999

Actor: Nick Jonas gained fame as a member of the Jonas Brothers, transitioning into acting with notable performances in films like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and the series Kingdom.

Character: Jonas portrays Bruno Gaido, whose real-life story during the Battle of Midway is marked by heroism and tragedy after being captured and executed.

Dennis Quaid as Vice Admiral William “Bull”Halsey

Born April 9, 1954

Active Since: 1975

Actor: A veteran of the silver screen, Dennis Quaid has appeared in numerous iconic films, including The Right Stuff and Far from Heaven. His enduring presence in Hollywood continues to captivate audiences, with upcoming roles in both film and television.

Character: In Midway, Quaid portrays Vice Admiral William “Bull”Halsey, known for his significant contributions and leadership within the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Midway Supporting Cast & Characters

Darren Criss as Lieutenant Commander Eugene Lindsey: Criss gained fame for his work in Glee and won acclaim for his portrayal in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

Alexander Ludwig as Lieutenant Roy Pearce: Known for his role as Cato in The Hunger Games, Ludwig has also starred in the wrestling drama Heels.

Woody Harrelson as Admiral Chester W. Nimitz: Harrelson has a rich filmography and has starred in productions like True Detective and No Country for Old Men.

Etsushi Toyokawa as Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto: Celebrated in Japan for iconic film roles, Toyokawa delivers a powerful performance in Midway.

Tadanobu Asano as Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi: Asano has appeared in blockbuster franchises including Thor, further expanding his international reach as an actor.

Mandy Moore as Anne Best: The beloved singer-songwriter has also made her mark in the film industry with roles in titles such as The Princess Diaries.

Source & Images