Cast of Nickel Boys

The 2024 American historical drama film Nickel Boys is based on the 2019 novel The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. Inspired by actual events, the film follows the close bond between two boys who end up as wards of a Florida juvenile reformatory.

The film features Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, Jimmie Fails, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The film debuted at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024. Amazon MGM Studios released the movie in limited theaters on December 13, 2024.

The cast of Nickel Boys

Ethan Herisse as Elwood

Television and stage actor Ethan Herisse portrays Elwood in the film. Elwood, a young man unfairly accused of aiding in a car theft, is sent to a reform school. Ethan Cole Sharp portrays young Elwood and Daveed Diggs plays the adult Elwood.

Brandon Wilson as Turner

The American actor Brandon Wilson portrays Tuner, Elwood’s friend at Nickel Academy. This was the actor’s breakthrough role which earned him a Gotham Award.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Hattie

The American actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor portrays Hatti, Elwood’s grandmother, in the film. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is a renowned actress who has won several accolades, including nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Hamish Linklater as Spencer

The American actor Hamish Linklater portrays Spencer, Nickel Academy's corrupt white administrator, in the film.

Linklater is well-known for his roles as Matthew Kimble in The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006–2010), Andrew Keanelly in The Crazy Ones (2013–2014), and Clark Debussy in Legion (2017–2019). He was highly praised for his role as Father Paul in the horror miniseries Midnight Mass in 2021.

Fred Hechinger as Harper

The American actor Fred Hechinger portrays Harper, a school employee who helps oversee Nickel's convict labor program, in the film.

Fred Hechinger's career started with supporting parts in films including the coming-of-age film Eighth Grade (2018), the period drama News of the World (2020), and The Woman in the Window (2021). He starred in the first season of the HBO anthology series The White Lotus and the Netflix horror series The Fear Street Trilogy in 2021.

Jimmie Fails as Mr. Hill

Jimmie Fails portrays Mr. Hill, Elwood’s supporting high school teacher in the film. He is an American actor whose film debut was the title role in the semi-autobiographical movie The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019).