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The Staircase, following its release, got viewers talking about its strange case. It tells the story of a real murder case that shocked America. Antonio Campos created this show with eight episodes. It follows the death of Kathleen Peterson and the consequences that were imposed on her husband after that. Many popular actors joined this project. They worked hard to make their characters feel real.
The show examines how one family was torn apart during a prolonged legal battle. Viewers watched as the truth became harder to find with each new detail. The cast made sure every scene felt authentic. They studied the real people they were playing. Critics praised the actors for handling such difficult material. The series became a hit because of these strong performances.
Colin Firth as Michael Peterson in The Staircase
Colin Firth plays the lead role of Michael Peterson. He’s the crime writer who got accused of killing his wife. Firth won an Oscar before for The King’s Speech. People also know him from Bridget Jones's Diary and the Kingsman movies.
His character in The Staircase is not easy to understand. Peterson seems charming in the beginning, but his intense side comes to the surface eventually.
The actor had to play different ages since the case lasted for a long time. He managed to display how stress had transformed his character over time.
Toni Collette as Kathleen Peterson in The Staircase
Toni Collette from Australia plays Kathleen Peterson. Her character dies early in the story. That death sets everything in motion that happens next. Collette acted in Hereditary and Little Miss Sunshine before this.
She doesn’t appear in many scenes but makes them count. Kathleen worked as a successful executive. She loved her family deeply. Collette made sure viewers cared about Kathleen even though she was not alive for most episodes. This role could have been forgotten, but Collette prevented that.
Michael Stuhlbarg as David Rudolf in The Staircase
Michael Stuhlbarg plays David Rudolf, the defense lawyer. Rudolf defends Michael Peterson in court. Stuhlbarg was in Call Me by Your Name and The Shape of Water. His character believes in his client completely.
Rudolf fights hard during the entire trial. Stuhlbarg demonstrates the significant amount of energy these cases consume in terms of lawyer resources. The actor makes Rudolf feel like a real person, not just someone reading legal documents.
Sophie Turner as Margaret Ratliff in The Staircase
Sophie Turner became famous playing Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones. Here she plays Margaret Ratliff, one of the daughters Michael Peterson adopted.
Turner had to portray a young woman facing terrible circumstances. Margaret loves her adoptive father, but everything feels confusing now. Should she trust him or not? Turner captures these mixed feelings well. Her performance shows Margaret growing up fast during this crisis.
Parker Posey as Freda Black in The Staircase
Parker Posey takes on the role of Freda Black. Black works as an assistant district attorney. She wants to prove Michael Peterson is guilty. Posey acted in many independent films before this. People remember her from Christopher Guest’s funny movies. In The Staircase, she plays a character who is very serious and determined. Black pushes hard in the courtroom. Posey makes her a formidable opponent. The tension rises whenever her character appears on screen.
Dane DeHaan as Clayton Peterson in The Staircase
Dane DeHaan plays Clayton Peterson. He’s Michael’s son from an earlier marriage. DeHaan starred in several movies. Clayton battles addiction while trying to help his father.
DeHaan doesn't conceal his character's problems. He shows how the trial affects Clayton differently from others in the family. The performer brings real emotion to every scene he’s in.
Olivia DeJonge as Caitlin Atwater in The Staircase
Olivia DeJonge plays Caitlin Atwater. She’s Kathleen’s daughter from before she married Michael. DeJonge acted in The Visit, a thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Caitlin gets stuck between two families. Does she stand by her stepfather or believe he hurt her mother? DeJonge handles this challenging situation with skill. She portrays a young woman searching for the truth while everyone around her takes sides.
Supporting cast members in The Staircase
Many different performers help depict this case. Patrick Schwarzenegger features as Todd Peterson, who is another son of Michael. Juliette Binoche portrays Sophie Brunet, who works on a documentary about the case. Additionally, Odessa Young portrays the role of Martha Ratliff, who is Margaret’s sister.
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Rosemarie DeWitt takes on the role of Candace Zamperini, Kathleen’s sister, who thinks Michael is guilty. Every supporting actor adds something essential. They make the story feel authentic.
The Staircase worked because talented actors brought this true story to life in a powerful way.
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