Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon brings together one of the most formidable ensembles in recent cinema history. The film reunites Scorsese with longtime collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, while introducing audiences to a remarkable performance by Lily Gladstone. Based on David Grann’s bestselling non-fiction book, the movie tells the harrowing story of the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma, and the cast reflects a deep commitment to authenticity.
From established Hollywood veterans to first-time actors drawn from the Osage Nation, the cast of Killers of the Flower Moon was assembled with care. Scorsese and his casting team prioritized historical accuracy and Indigenous representation, resulting in a roster that feels both star-powered and grounded. The film’s 3-hour-26-minute runtime allows each performer space to inhabit their role fully.
Who Is in the Cast of Killers of the Flower Moon?
The principal cast is led by four key performers, each playing a central figure in the true story of the Osage Reign of Terror. Below is a compact overview of the main actors and the characters they portray.
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo DiCaprio | Ernest Burkhart | Nephew of William Hale, Mollie’s husband |
| Robert De Niro | William Hale | Local rancher and mastermind of the murders |
| Lily Gladstone | Mollie Burkhart | Osage woman and Ernest’s wife |
| Brendan Fraser | W.S. Hamilton | Defense attorney for Ernest Burkhart |
Key Insights About the Cast
- Lily Gladstone is the first Native American actress to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress (Drama) for this role.
- The film marks the sixth collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese have worked together on ten feature films.
- Brendan Fraser’s role as defense attorney W.S. Hamilton is a relatively small but pivotal part.
- The movie features several actors from the Osage Nation, increasing authentic representation.
Cast & Crew Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Martin Scorsese |
| Release Date | October 20, 2023 |
| Runtime | 3 hours 26 minutes |
| Main Cast | Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Brendan Fraser |
| Academy Awards | 10 nominations, including Best Picture |
| Golden Globes | 7 nominations, 1 win (Lily Gladstone) |
For the complete list of every credited performer, see the Full cast & crew on IMDb. Additional detail is available on the Killers of the Flower Moon Wikipedia page.
Who Plays the Lead Roles in Killers of the Flower Moon?
The central performances form the emotional and narrative backbone of the film. Each lead actor brings a distinct weight to their role, shaped by the real history behind the story.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart
DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, a World War I veteran who returns to Oklahoma and goes to work for his uncle, William Hale. Ernest marries Mollie, an Osage woman, and becomes entangled in the conspiracy to murder Osage people for their oil wealth. This is DiCaprio’s sixth film with Scorsese.
Robert De Niro as William King Hale
De Niro portrays William Hale, a powerful local rancher who orchestrates the murders of Osage Nation members. The character is widely considered the film’s primary villain. De Niro and Scorsese have collaborated on ten feature films together, a partnership that spans decades.
Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart
Gladstone plays Mollie, the Osage woman at the center of the story. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama, making her the first Native American actress to win that award. She is of Blackfeet and Nez Perce heritage, and her casting was widely praised for its authenticity.
Jesse Plemons as Thomas Bruce White Sr.
Plemons plays the BOI (Bureau of Investigation) agent who leads the murder investigation. His character represents the federal response that eventually led to the birth of the modern FBI.
Scorsese cast actual members of the Osage Tribe in key roles. Everett Waller, who serves as the Osage Minerals Council Chairman and had no prior acting experience, appears as Paul Red Eagle. Talee Redcorn, an Osage member from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, plays Non-Hon-Zhin-Ga/Traditional Leader. Yancey Red Corn, another Osage tribe member, received his first-ever acting credit as Chief Bonnicastle.
The Cast and crew page on Rotten Tomatoes lists all principal actors alongside their characters.
Is Brendan Fraser in Killers of the Flower Moon?
Yes, Brendan Fraser appears in the film. He plays W.S. Hamilton, the defense attorney who represents Ernest Burkhart during the trial. It is a supporting role with limited screen time, but it carries significant narrative weight as Hamilton works to shield the conspirators from justice.
Fraser’s casting was announced in 2021, during a period when his career was undergoing a well-publicized resurgence. His performance in Killers of the Flower Moon followed his Academy Award win for The Whale in 2023. Though his role is not among the largest in the film, it has been noted by critics as an effective contribution to the ensemble.
Fraser continues his comeback with a role in Rental Family, expected in 2025.
Who Directed Killers of the Flower Moon?
Martin Scorsese directed the film and also served as a producer. The screenplay was co-written by Scorsese and Eric Roth, adapting David Grann’s book. Scorsese’s decision to shift the narrative focus from the FBI investigation to the Osage perspective shaped the entire casting process.
The production companies behind the film include Apple Studios, Appian Way, Imperative Entertainment, and Sikelia Productions. Paramount Pictures handled theatrical distribution.
Beyond Scorsese and Roth, the production was overseen by producers Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, and Daniel Lupi. Leonardo DiCaprio served as an executive producer alongside Rick Yorn, Adam Somner, Marianne Bower, Lisa Frechette, John Atwood, Shea Kammer, and Niels Juul.
Scorsese cast Osage Nation members not only as extras but in speaking roles. Tantoo Cardinal (Cree/Métis) plays Lizzie Q, Mollie’s mother. Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, and Jillian Dion portray Mollie’s sisters Anna, Reta, and Minnie. This commitment to authentic casting was widely cited as a strength in reviews.
When Did Killers of the Flower Moon Come Together?
The film’s development and production timeline spans several years, from the initial announcement to the awards season of 2024.
- 2017 – Martin Scorsese announces adaptation of David Grann’s book.
- 2019 – Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro are attached to star.
- 2020 – Lily Gladstone is cast as Mollie Burkhart.
- 2021 – Filming begins in Oklahoma.
- 2022 – Filming wraps; post-production begins.
- 2023 – Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival; worldwide theatrical release on October 20; streaming release on Apple TV+ on December 5.
- 2024 – Oscar nominations announced (10 nods); Lily Gladstone wins Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama.
The film is officially recognized by the Osage Nation for its portrayal of their history.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About the Cast?
Most information about the cast is well-documented, but a few points merit clarification.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Lily Gladstone is Native American (Blackfeet/Nimiipuu) — confirmed through public records and interviews. | No uncertainty; her heritage is well-documented. |
| Brendan Fraser appears in the film only for a few scenes — confirmed by the official cast list and multiple film reviews. | Exact screen time is not officially stated but reviews describe it as a small role. |
| Killers of the Flower Moon is available on Apple TV+ as the primary streaming home. | Availability on other platforms like Netflix varies by region and licensing agreements; it is not a Netflix original. |
| The film did not win Best Picture at the Oscars — it was nominated but did not win. | The exact number of awards the film will ultimately accumulate across all ceremonies is still unfolding. |
The Academy Awards official site lists the full nominations for 2024, while the Golden Globes official site details Gladstone’s historic win.
What Is the Historical Background of Killers of the Flower Moon?
The film is set in Osage County, Oklahoma, during the 1910s and 1920s. The Osage Nation became extraordinarily wealthy after oil was discovered on their land, making them per capita the wealthiest people in the United States at the time. This wealth made them targets.
A series of brutal crimes targeting Osage members ensued, later known as the “Reign of Terror.” The murder investigation that followed led directly to the birth of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Ernest Burkhart, recently discharged from the U.S. Army, returned to work for his uncle William Hale and became entangled in the conspiracy.
Scorsese’s decision to center the story on the Osage perspective — rather than solely on the FBI investigation — influenced every casting choice. Actors like Tantoo Cardinal, JaNae Collins, Cara Jade Myers, and Jillian Dion were selected not only for their talent but for their ability to bring authenticity to the portrayal of Osage families. For more on how the cast brings this history to life, read the Killers of the Flower Moon movie guide and review.
What Are Critics and the Director Saying About the Film?
Critical reception has focused heavily on the performances, particularly Gladstone’s.
“Lily Gladstone delivers a quiet, devastating performance that anchors the film.”
— Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus (paraphrased)
“Robert De Niro is at his most chilling as William Hale.”
— IMDb user reviews (paraphrased)
“We wanted to make sure the Osage community was at the center of this story.”
— Martin Scorsese, multiple interviews
The film received 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It earned 7 Golden Globe nominations and one win. Coverage from industry outlets such as Hollywood Reporter film news provides ongoing updates on the film’s reception and legacy.
Why Does the Cast of Killers of the Flower Moon Matter?
The ensemble assembled by Scorsese matters because it balances star power with authenticity. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro draw audiences, while Lily Gladstone and the Osage actors ground the story in lived experience. The casting choices reflect a broader shift in Hollywood toward respectful, community-informed portrayals of Indigenous histories. For a deeper look at Gladstone’s career, explore this overview of Lily Gladstone: career and filmography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Oscars did Killers of the Flower Moon win?
It was nominated for 10 Oscars but did not win any.
Is Killers of the Flower Moon a true story?
Yes, it is based on the real ‘Reign of Terror’ that targeted the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma.
What is the runtime of Killers of the Flower Moon?
3 hours and 26 minutes.
Who plays Tom White in Killers of the Flower Moon?
Jesse Plemons plays Tom White, the FBI agent investigating the murders.
Who plays Mollie Burkhart in the film?
Lily Gladstone plays Mollie Burkhart, the Osage woman at the center of the story.
What role does John Lithgow play?
John Lithgow plays Peter Leaward, the lead prosecutor in the trials of Hale and Burkhart.
Is the film available on Netflix?
It is primarily available on Apple TV+. Availability on Netflix varies by region and is not guaranteed.
Which Osage Nation members appear in the cast?
Everett Waller, Talee Redcorn, and Yancey Red Corn are among the Osage tribal members cast in speaking roles.
Who wrote the screenplay?
The screenplay was co-written by Martin Scorsese and Eric Roth, based on David Grann’s book.
Did the film win any Golden Globes?
Yes, Lily Gladstone won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama. The film received 7 nominations in total.
Edward Marsh is Editor-in-Chief at TradeWireUK.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, market data accuracy and publication decisions. He writes occasional leader columns and major business stories.