Summary

• The The Way Back cast goes beyond lead actor Ben Affleck.
• The movie stars dramatic actors and comedy actors alike, including Al Madrigal and Janina Gavankar.
• The Way Back also boasts a robust ensemble cast featuring memorable performers from Percy Jackson and The Thing.

The Way Back cast extends far beyond its lead star Ben Affleck. The 2020 basketball drama was directed by Gavin O'Connor (reuniting with Affleck after helming his action-thriller The Accountant) from a screenplay by Brad Ingelsby, who is the son of a basketball coach. The movie, which cost roughly $25 million, suffered financially in its theatrical release, only earning $15.5 million because it was released shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down theaters worldwide. However, it was well received by both critics and audiences, earning 84% scores from both groups on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Way Back was one of a crop of titles that were released on premium VOD just weeks after their initial release. It is unclear if the sports movie's digital sales were able to make up for significantly more of its production budget, but the movie was given another shot when it began streaming on Prime Video in April 2024, a release that could also help expose its ensemble cast to a wider audience. Outside of its A-list lead, the Ben Affleck movie boasts a vast supporting cast that features both familiar faces and up-and-coming stars.

Ben Affleck As Jack Cunningham

Date Of Birth: August 15, 1972

• Active Since: 1981

Actor: Ben Affleck was born in Berkeley, California, attended Occidental College, and began his career in educational shows and early Kevin Smith movies before he first broke big in 1997's Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote with co-star Matt Damon. The screenplay earned him his first Oscar win, with his second being a Best Picture win for Argo, which he directed, produced, and starred in. The roster of Affleck-directed movies also includes Gone Baby Gone, The Town, Live by Night, and Air.

Ben Affleck made a cameo in Kevin Smith's 2001 movie Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back where he played a character who dismissed the real Affleck's role in Good Will Hunting but said "Affleck was the bomb in Phantoms," referencing his 1998 Miramax horror movie.

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Character: In The Way Back, Ben Affleck plays Jack Cunningham. Jack is the lead of the movie who becomes the basketball coach at his alma mater Bishop Hayes. However, despite making meaningful connections with the players, his recovery from alcoholism complicates his new position.

Michaela Watkins As Beth

Date Of Birth: December 14, 1971

• Active Since: 1998

Actor: Michaela Watkins was born in Syracuse, New York and first rose to prominence when she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2008. Though she was only a featured player for a single season, she went on to star in a variety of comedy roles. The multitalented performer has also performed in live theater, improv, and the musical podcast In Strange Woods in addition to co-creating the comedy show Benched.

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Character: In The Way Back, Michaela Watkins plays Beth. Beth is Jack's sister. She is always in her brother's corner, attempting to provide him with positive reinforcement to aid his recovery.

Al Madrigal As Dan

Date Of Birth: July 4, 1971