Cast and Crew of Ava

Ava

"Ava" is an action thriller that incorporates typical genre elements such as intense combat sequences, espionage, high-stakes missions, and a protagonist with lethal skills navigating a web of betrayal and danger. The film stands out by centering on a complex female lead, portrayed by Jessica Chastain, who brings depth and emotional nuance to the role of Ava, a black ops assassin. Unlike many action titles that focus heavily on brute force, "Ava" delves into the psychological and moral struggles of its characters, particularly Ava's fight for survival when a mission goes wrong. John Malkovich's role as Duke adds a layer of sophistication and interplay that enriches the narrative, setting it apart from conventional action films which often prioritize spectacle over character development.

Main Cast of Ava

Jessica Chastain as Ava

Jessica Chastain

Ava
In 'Ava,' Jessica Chastain delivers a compelling portrayal of a skilled assassin grappling with personal and professional conflicts, showcasing a blend of intensity and vulnerability that distinguishes her character. Compared to her other roles, such as the passionate playwright in 'Molly's Game' or the determined CIA operative in 'Zero Dark Thirty,' Chastain brings a more action-oriented and physically demanding performance in 'Ava.' A trivia fact about this movie is that Jessica Chastain also served as a producer, demonstrating her commitment to the project beyond her on-screen role.
John Malkovich as Duke

John Malkovich

Duke
John Malkovich plays a pivotal role in the 2020 action thriller 'Ava,' where he portrays the sharp and cunning antagonist, Duke. His performance was widely noted for adding a layer of sophisticated menace to the film, distinguishing his character from typical villain archetypes. Malkovich's unique ability to blend charm with intimidation made his role especially memorable and elevated the film's tension. A lesser-known fact from behind the scenes is that Malkovich improvised several of his lines to bring an unpredictable edge to Duke, a creative choice that director Tate Taylor wholeheartedly embraced, further intensifying Malkovich's screen presence.
Common as Michael

Common

Michael
Common played a supporting role in the action thriller 'Ava,' where he portrayed a tough, principled figure that added depth and complexity to the film's narrative. His performance was well-received by critics and audiences alike, who praised his ability to bring both intensity and subtlety to the character, making him a standout despite limited screen time. What made his involvement unique was how he seamlessly blended his musical charisma with his acting, enriching the film's emotional layers. A lesser-known fact about Common's participation is that he took part in several stunt rehearsals to better understand his character's physicality, demonstrating his dedication to authenticity and the craft beyond just delivering lines.
Colin Farrell as Simon

Colin Farrell

Simon
Colin Farrell played a significant supporting role in the action thriller 'Ava,' where he portrayed a charismatic yet dangerous figure intertwined with the protagonist's journey. His performance was well-received for bringing a nuanced balance of menace and charm, which added depth to the film's tension. What made his role unique was his ability to seamlessly shift between intense action sequences and subtler moments of vulnerability, enriching the narrative. A lesser-known fact from behind the scenes is that Farrell improvised one of his character's pivotal lines during filming, a spontaneous addition that impressed the director and was retained in the final cut, highlighting his creative input on set.
Geena Davis as Bobbi

Geena Davis

Bobbi
In the movie 'Ava' (2020), Geena Davis plays the role of Glenna, the mother of the titular character, Ava, a skilled assassin. This role showcases Davis in a supporting yet pivotal position, contrasting with her earlier leading roles in films like 'Thelma & Louise' and 'Beetlejuice.' Unlike these iconic characters, Glenna is not at the center of the narrative but serves as a key influence on Ava's motivations and emotional depth. This performance stands out as it demonstrates Davis's versatility in taking on more nuanced, mature roles later in her career, adding layers of complexity to the story without dominating the screen time, highlighting her ability to adapt and enrich diverse character types beyond her earlier, more prominent breakout roles.
Jess Weixler as Judy

Jess Weixler

Judy
In the movie "Ava" (2020), Jess Weixler plays a supporting yet pivotal role that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Known for her versatility and nuanced performances, Weixler's role in "Ava" showcases her ability to imbue even smaller parts with significant impact, complementing the intense lead performance by Jessica Chastain. This role stands out in Weixler's career because, unlike her earlier work where she often took center stage—as seen in indie films like "Teeth"—her performance in "Ava" demonstrates a maturity in supporting roles within higher-profile productions. It highlights her adaptability and solidifies her presence in mainstream cinema, providing a contrast to her typically more quirky or offbeat characters by fitting seamlessly into a sleek, action-thriller context.

Crew of Ava

Full backstage crew list →