Chris Pine’s directorial debut,Poolman, features an all-star cast of iconic movie actors. The 2023 film pays homage tofilm noir movie classics likeChinatown, with a convoluted mystery plotline centered around Darren Barrenman, a poolman with an interest in local community issues. Darren gets tangled in a web of bizarre characters and corruption as he navigates a case he isn’t really qualified to be investigating.
ThoughPoolman’sreviewsdidn’t amount to the same success as noir classics, the all-star cast may still appeal to audiences.Poolman’sleading stars and supporting cast members include recognizable faces from iconic movies, shows, and franchises. Though some may only appear on-screen for brief scenes, the cast is impressive nonetheless.
Chris Pine as Darren Barrenman
Born Jun 04, 2025
Actor:Chris Pine is an American actor from Los Angeles, California, who first gained notoriety in the 2000s with appearances in the rom-comsThe Princess Diaries 2andJust My Luck. However,it was his casting as Captain James T. Kirk in theStar Trekreboot films that made him an A-list star. He’s continued to work in blockbusters like theWonder Womanfilms,Spider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseandDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, contributing to billions in box office success. Chris Pine made his directorial debut withPoolman.
Don’t Worry Darling
Frank
Character:Darren Barrenman is a pool cleaner living in an old apartment complex in Los Angeles. Inspired by Erin Brockovich, to whom he writes letters, Darren advocates for community causes at his local city council. When he’s arrested for starting a fight at a council meeting, he’s approached by June Del Rey, who offers him a chance to oust the local councilman for corruption.
Chris Pine Was Great, But The Kirk Actor Star Trek Turned Down Would’ve Been Amazing Too
This fan-favorite Marvel actor was almost cast as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek (2009), but ultimately lost the role to Chris Pine.
DeWanda Wise as June Del Ray
Born July 03, 2025
Actor:DeWanda Wise is anAmerican actress from Maryland who’s best known for starring in the Spike Lee Netflix series,She’s Gotta Have It. Wise has been acting since the mid-2000s, appearing on various shows likeLaw & Order,The Good Wife, andBoardwalk Empire. Only in recent years has she begun to find prominent roles in movies, includingJurassic World Dominationand Netflix’sThe Harder They Fall.
She’s Gotta Have It
Nola Darling
Character:Wise plays June Del Ray, a mysterious woman who works under the local councilman and gives Darren the opportunity to pursue the case.
Danny DeVito as Jack Denisoff
Born June 20, 2025
Actor:Danny DeVito is an Americanactor from New Jersey who’s had a massively successful career in film and television spanning over five decades. In 1975, DeVito appeared in the Best Picture-winning drama,One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. In 1992, he starred as The Penguin in Tim Burton’sBatman Returns, kicking off a multi-decade partnership with the iconic filmmaker. Danny DeVito is considered one of thegreatest TV actors ever, with roles on multiple long-running series, including that of Louie De Palma inTaxi. He’s gained massive recognition in recent years as Frank Reynolds inIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Frank Reynolds
Character:DeVito plays Jack, the owner of the apartment complex Darren pool cleans for, who serves as an irresponsible fatherly figure throughout the film.
Annette Bening as Diane Epsilnade
Born July 11, 2025
Actor:Annette Bening is anAmerican actress from Kansas who’s been praised for her work in film and on stage for over four decades. She’s been nominated for five Academy Awards, including nominations for movies likeThe Kids Are All RightandNyad. Despite numerous critically acclaimed performances, Bening hasn’t shied away from blockbusters and has recently appeared in 2019’s Captain Marvel and 2022’s Death on the Nile.
Death on the Nile
Euphemia Bouc
Character:Diane is Darren’s therapist and the co-owner of the apartment complex he works in.
Poolman Supporting Cast & Characters
Stephen Tobolowsky as Stephen Toronkowski / Blanche:Stephen Tobolowsky is an American actor known for numerous famous movies and TV shows, fromGroundhog DayandMementotoGleeandThe Mindy Project.
Clancy Brown as Theodore Hollandaise:Clancy Brown is an American actor famous for supporting roles in a plethora of famous movies and franchise titles, fromJohn Wick 4toThe PenguintoHighlandertoThe Shawshank Redemption. He’s also well known as the voice of Mr. Krabs onSpongeBob SquarePants.
John Ortiz as Wayne / Dirk Pfumpter:John Ortiz is an American actor best known for his role in theFast & Furiousmovies, as well as crime epics likeCarlito’s WayandAmerican Gangster.
Jennifer Jason Leigh as Susan Kerkovish:Jennifer Jason Leigh is an American actress who broke out in the ’80s teen comedyFast Times at Ridgemont High. She’s since appeared in an assortment of film and TV roles, includingThe Hateful Eight,Fargo,Twin Peaks, andWeeds.
Ray Wise as William Van Patterson:Ray Wise is an American actor who’s best known for playing Leland Palmer in the mystery drama TV seriesTwin Peaks.
Poolman
Poolman, directed by Chris Pine, follows Darren Barrenman, an optimistic Los Angeles native who manages the Tahitian Tiki apartment’s pool while striving to improve his city.
