The Dutchman cast & characters - Meet the stars behind the film and the roles they play

Andre Gaines's The Dutchman is a thriller with a screenplay by Qasim Basir, based on Amiri Baraka’s 1964 play of the same name. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on January 2, 2026, through Rogue Pictures and Inaugural Entertainment.

The Dutchman features an ensemble cast led by André Holland, along with Kate Mara, Zazie Beetz, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Aldis Hodge, Lauren E. Banks, and others. Below is the list of the stars behind the film and the roles they play.

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Main cast and characters of The Dutchman

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1) André Holland as Clay

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André Holland plays Clay in The Dutchman, a successful but emotionally guarded businessman navigating both personal and professional pressure. At the start of the film, Clay is introduced during a tense couples therapy session with his wife, Kaya. He is struggling to repair their marriage after infidelity while also preparing for a major fundraising event intended to support a large-scale development project in Harlem.

Holland is an American actor known for his role in Moonlight and has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. His previous credits include Moonlight, Passing, Selma, High Flying Bird, The Eddy, The Knick, American Horror Story: Roanoke, and 42.

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2) Kate Mara as Lula

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Kate Mara portrays Lula. In the movie, Lula approaches Clay during a train journey. Though he signals discomfort, she continues speaking without pause. Conversations drift toward intimate subjects, then pivot sharply to the topic of race. At times playful, her manner turns pointed, even aggressive. What begins lightly grows tense under her persistence.

Inside the story, disruption arrives through Lula. Wherever Clay goes, she appears unexpectedly and persistently in one such place, tied to the event that is part of his urban plan. Tension rises each time she acts without warning. The way she behaves draws focus toward inner strain, unraveling composure.

Mara made her acting debut with Random Hearts in 1999. Her acting career includes roles in House of Cards, The Martian, Carol, Chappaquiddick, 24, American Horror Story: Murder House, Pose, Brokeback Mountain, Shooter, Stone of Destiny, Transcendence, Fantastic Four, Friendship, and A Teacher. Her work spans television, independent films, and major studio productions.

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3) Zazie Beetz as Kaya

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Zazie Beetz plays Kaya in The Dutchman, Clay’s wife. Kaya is actively seeking emotional openness from Clay as they work through marital issues in therapy. Her perspective highlights the distance between Clay’s internal struggles and his outward presentation.

Kaya’s role is primarily tied to domestic and therapeutic scenes. Through her interactions with Clay, the film provides context for his emotional state and the personal consequences of his tendency to suppress conflict.

Beetz is a German-American actress known for her performances in Atlanta, Joker, Deadpool 2, The Bad Guys, and The Harder They Fall, along with other voiceover projects. Beetz has earlier received an Emmy nomination for supporting actress in a comedy series, Atlanta. Beetz married David Rysdahl, and they started a production company called Sleepy Poppy.

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4) Stephen McKinley Henderson as Dr. Amiri

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Stephen McKinley Henderson appears as Dr. Amiri, the therapist counseling Clay and Kaya. Dr. Amiri encourages discussion of unresolved emotions and questions Clay’s reluctance to confront underlying issues. In individual conversations with Clay, he introduces ideas about repetition and personal history.

Henderson’s notable credits include Fences, Dune, Manchester by the Sea, and Lady Bird, along with extensive stage work. He has earned multiple industry nominations, including two Tony Award nods, a Drama Desk Award nomination, and recognition from the Screen Actors Guild with two nominations.

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5) Aldis Hodge as Warren

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Aldis Hodge portrays Warren, Clay’s friend and business associate. Warren is directly involved in organizing the fundraising event intended to support their redevelopment plans. He approaches challenges with confidence and pragmatism, offering a contrast to Clay’s more reserved demeanor.

Hodge has appeared in One Night in Miami, Hidden Figures, Leverage, Straight Outta Compton, Underground, Girlfriends, Cross, Black Adam, and Green Lantern: Beware My Power.

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Supporting cast of The Dutchman

The supporting cast of The Dutchman includes several actors in roles that contribute to the film’s setting and progression:

• Lauren E. Banks as Gina
• Lenny Platt as Officer Barnes
• Tracy Wilder as Dr. Bowers
• Benjamin Thys as Officer Davis
• Shonica Gooden as Zara
• Lazarus Simmons as Malik
• Sally Stewart as Mystic Lady
• Tony Torn as Janitor
• Kevin Tyler Rodriguez as Officer Luis
• Hyunmin Rhee as Officer Kim
• Michael Lawrence as Bradford Easley

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The Dutchman will hit the US theaters on January 2, 2026.

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Also read: When will The Dutchman premiere? Release date, cast details, first look, and more

Edited by Toshali Kritika