The 2016 miniseries 11.22.63 brings Stephen King’s time-travel novel to life with a talented group of actors. The story follows a man’s dangerous mission to stop the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This guide details the main cast members and the characters they played in this critically praised adaptation.
The Main Cast and Their Characters
The series features a mix of well-known stars and standout performances from newer actors. Each plays a crucial part in the story of Jake Epping’s mission to alter history.
James Franco plays the lead role of Jake Epping, an English teacher from Maine. His friend Al gives him a mission to travel back in time. To fit into the past, Jake uses the alias James Amberson. Franco was also a producer for the series.
Sarah Gadon portrays Sadie Dunhill, a school librarian in the town of Jodie, Texas. She meets Jake and they form a deep connection. Her relationship with Jake complicates his mission to change history.
Chris Cooper appears as Al Templeton, the owner of a local diner. Al discovers a time portal in his closet and, after getting sick, asks his friend Jake to take over his mission to stop the Kennedy assassination.
Daniel Webber plays the historical figure Lee Harvey Oswald. The series shows his life and the events that led to the assassination. Webber’s performance focuses on Oswald’s personal struggles and interactions with his family.
George MacKay is Bill Turcotte, a bartender from Kentucky. Jake saves his family, which makes Bill want to help with Jake’s mission. His involvement creates several problems for Jake.
Lucy Fry plays Marina Oswald, Lee Harvey Oswald’s wife. The series shows their troubled relationship and her life in the United States.
Cherry Jones portrays Marguerite Oswald, Lee Harvey Oswald’s mother.
Kevin J. O’Connor plays the mysterious Yellow Card Man. This character appears at key moments to represent how the past resists being changed.
Key Supporting Characters
Several other important characters appear throughout the eight episodes, adding depth to the story.
Josh Duhamel plays Frank Dunning, an abusive man in 1960 Kentucky. Jake’s first action in the past is trying to stop Frank from committing a horrible crime.
T. R. Knight appears as Johnny Clayton, Sadie Dunhill’s ex-husband. He refuses to finalize their divorce and becomes a dangerous threat.
Nick Searcy is Deke Simmons, the kind principal of the school in Jodie where Jake works.
Jonny Coyne plays George de Mohrenschildt, a man with possible intelligence connections who associates with Oswald.
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The Miniseries Finds a New Home on Netflix
First released on Hulu in February 2016, the series left that platform and was briefly on Tubi. Starting January 7, 2026, all eight episodes of 11.22.63 are available to stream on Netflix in the United States. The move is part of a larger deal involving content from Warner Bros. Television. Reports suggest the series will remain on Netflix for at least one year.
The show’s arrival on a major new platform has created fresh interest. Ahead of its Netflix debut, the series entered the top 10 on Amazon’s Premium Video-On-Demand charts.
“The past doesn’t want to be changed,” Stephen King said about the story’s core idea. “Maybe it tears, and you’re able to make a change, but it might also not tear, in which case it’s going to bounce you back.”
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