Warning: Very minor spoilers for Armageddon TimeWritten and directed by James Gray, Armageddon Time follows young Paul Graff during a tumultuous and changing time period in his life. The film, which is inspired by Gray’s own life growing up, has assembled an all-star cast to tell its tale.
Premiering at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in May, Armageddon Time played at a plethora of film festivals before releasing in limited theaters on October 28. The film initially cast Oscar Isaac, Robert De Niro, and Donald Sutherland in lead roles, but all three actors were recast by the time of the production’s start date, as was Cate Blanchett, who was to make a cameo appearance as Maryanne Trump. Here is a full guide to the cast, which actors play each character, and in what other movies and TV series they’ve been in prior to starring in Armageddon Time.
Michael Banks Repeta As Paul Graff
Paul Graff is a middle school-age American Jewish kid who wants to be an artist when he’s an adult. He isn’t focused on school, which causes his parents' frustration. Paul is portrayed by Michael Banks Repeta (credited in Armageddon Time as Banks Repeta), who is best known for the Ethan Hawke-starring The Black Phone, The Devil All the Time, and the TV series Welcome to Flatch.
Anne Hathaway As Esther Graff
Esther Graff is Paul’s mother, who is a member of the Parent Teacher Association and is thinking about running to be its president. Esther is portrayed by Anne Hathaway, who is best known for her roles in The Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada, the Oscar-winning movie Les Miserables, playing Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises, Ocean’s Eight, Interstellar, Becoming Jane, and Brokeback Mountain.
Jeremy Strong As Irving Graff
Irving Graff is Paul’s father and Esther’s husband, who is also a successful plumber, though he struggles because he doesn't make enough to send both his sons to private school. Irving is portrayed by Jeremy Strong, who is best known for playing Kendall Roy on the HBO drama Succession, The Trial of the Chicago 7, The Big Short, Molly’s Game, the series Masters of Sex, and a guest starring role on The Good Wife.
Anthony Hopkins As Aaron Rabinowitz
Aaron Rabinowitz is Paul’s grandfather and Esther’s father, who immigrated from Europe to the U.S. with his wife. Aaron is very close with Paul and offers to pay for his private school. Aaron is portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, who is best known for his roles in The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, The Father, the HBO series Westworld, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Thor and its sequels, Meet Joe Black, and The Mask of Zorro.
Jaylin Webb As Johnny Davis
Johnny Davis is Paul’s friend from school who dreams of being an astronaut, but whose race and social status keeps him from the same opportunities as Paul. Johnny is portrayed by Jaylin Webb, who is best known for his roles in The Wonder Years series remake.
Armageddon Time ing Cast & Characters
Ryan Sell as Ted Graff - Ted is Paul’s older, more privileged brother who goes to great lengths to pester Paul. Armageddon Time marks Ryan Sell’s feature film debut.
Andrew Polk as Mr. Turkeltaub - Mr. Turkeltaub is Paul and Johnny’s teacher, who is often picking on them, especially Johnny. Andrew Polk is known for his roles in the Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the Netflix series House of Cards, and Billions.
Tovah Feldshuh as Mickey Rabinowitz - Mickey Rabinowitz is Paul's grandmother. Tovah Feldshuh is known for voicing Aunt Z in the animated series Star Wars Resistance, the musical series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and The Walking Dead.
Marcia Haufrecht as Aunt Ruth - Aunt Ruth is Paul’s great-aunt. Marcia Haufrecht is known for Mind the Gap, The Producers, and a few episodes of Law & Order.
Dane West as Topper Lowell - Topper is Paul’s classmate and friend in private school. Dane West is known for The Young and the Restless, Chronicles of a Serial Killer, and The Truth About Santa Claus.
Landon James Forlenza as Chad Eastman - Chad Eastman is Topper's friend and Paul’s classmate. Armageddon Time marks Landon James Forlenza’s first role in a film.
Richard Bekins as Fitzroy - Fitzroy is the heaster at Paul’s school. Richard Bekins is known for You’re Not Alone, the Netflix miniseries When They See Us, and Young Adult starring Charlize Theron.
Domenick Lombardozzi as Police Sergeant D’Arienzo - Police Sergeant D’Arienzo is the officer who arrests Paul and Johnny for stealing. His role in Paul’s fate is crucial to the end of Armageddon Time.
John Diehl as Fred Trump - Fred Trump is a real estate developer, businessman, and Donald Trump’s father who appears at Paul’s school. John Diehl is known for The Lucky Ones and the TV series The Shield.
Jessica Chastain as Maryanne Trump - Maryanne Trump is Donald Trump’s sister and an attorney who once served as a federal judge. Jessica Chastain is best known for Interstellar, Zero Dark Thirty, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Crimson Peak, It Chapter Two, and the HBO drama Scenes from a Marriage.
