Meet the Cast of Casper: A Tale of a Kind Ghost and His Teenage Love

"Casper" is a delightful family film that brilliantly combines elements of comedy, romance, and the supernatural. The story revolves around a friendly ghost named Casper, who resides in a stately mansion in Maine. Casper, despite being a spirit, is characterized by his gentle nature and kind heart, which sets him apart from the typical stereotype of ghosts being fearsome entities.

The narrative takes an interesting turn with the arrival of Dr. James Harvey, portrayed by the talented Bill Pullman. Dr. Harvey is a paranormal specialist who has been hired to communicate with Casper and his ghostly uncles residing in the mansion. His character adds an element of humor and warmth to the story, as he navigates through the challenges of dealing with mischievous spirits. Alongside him is his teenage daughter, Kat, played by the captivating Christina Ricci. Kat is a clever and resilient girl who, despite initial apprehensions, learns to embrace the peculiarity of her new surroundings.

The plot thickens when Casper develops feelings for Kat. Their relationship, though heartwarming, is fraught with complications. Casper's transparent state, the mischief caused by his uncles, and the general prejudice against ghosts all serve as obstacles to their blossoming romance. The audience is left to root for the couple, hoping that love will indeed conquer all, even in the face of such extraordinary circumstances. The movie thus offers a unique take on young love, deftly blending it with themes of acceptance, family, and friendship.

Casper is part of the Casper Collection.

Listed on:

Spooktacular Movie Night: The Best Halloween Films That Won't Give Your Kids Nightmares

Full Cast of Casper

Malachi Pearson

as Casper (voice)

Malachi Pearson's vocal performance as the titular character in the 1995 film "Casper" breathed life into the friendly ghost, enchanting audiences with a blend of innocence and warmth. His voice work was pivotal in humanizing the ethereal protagonist, allowing viewers to connect with Casper on an emotional level despite his spectral form. Pearson's delivery imbued Casper with a mix of childlike wonder and subtle melancholy, perfectly capturing the character's longing for companionship and his joy at the possibility of friendship and love. His interactions with the other characters, particularly his human counterparts, showcased a depth of emotion that resonated with the film's themes of acceptance and the enduring bonds of family. Pearson's voice acting was instrumental in making "Casper" not just a visual spectacle but a heartfelt story that has resonated with viewers for years, solidifying the character's place as an iconic figure in the realm of family-friendly cinema.

Christina Ricci

as Kathleen 'Kat' Harvey

Christina Ricci delivered a memorable performance as Kathleen 'Kat' Harvey in the 1995 family-friendly film "Casper," directed by Brad Silberling. As the gothic and cynical daughter of paranormal therapist Dr. Harvey, played by Bill Pullman, Ricci brought depth and complexity to a character that could have easily slipped into a one-dimensional trope. Her portrayal of Kat was both relatable and endearing, as she navigated the trials of adolescence compounded by the unusual circumstance of befriending a friendly ghost, the titular Casper. Ricci's performance was marked by a nuanced balance of teenage angst and vulnerability, which resonated with audiences and critics alike. Her on-screen chemistry with the animated character of Casper, voiced by Malachi Pearson, was particularly impressive, as she conveyed genuine emotion and connection in their interactions, which were crucial in grounding the fantastical elements of the film in authentic human experience. Ricci's portrayal of Kat contributed significantly to the film's lasting appeal, showcasing her talent for character acting and solidifying her as a versatile actress capable of leading roles.

Bill Pullman

as Dr. James Harvey

Bill Pullman delivers a charming and affable performance as Dr. James Harvey in the 1995 family film "Casper." As a widowed afterlife therapist, Pullman brings a gentle warmth and a sense of vulnerability to the role, effectively balancing the film's comedic and dramatic elements. His character serves as the emotional anchor, seeking to help the friendly ghost Casper and his mischievous uncles find peace, while also navigating his own journey of healing and connection with his daughter, Kat (Christina Ricci). Pullman's portrayal is both relatable and endearing, as he embodies a man who is equally caring and slightly bumbling, making Dr. Harvey an empathetic figure that audiences can't help but root for. His scenes with the titular ghost, portrayed through cutting-edge (for the time) CGI, showcase Pullman's ability to act against nonexistent co-stars with authenticity and ease, contributing to the film's timeless appeal and the memorable dynamic between the human and spectral characters.

Cathy Moriarty

as Carrigan Crittenden

Cathy Moriarty delivers a deliciously wicked performance as Carrigan Crittenden in the beloved family film "Casper," which debuted in 1995. As the greedy and conniving antagonist, Moriarty brings a vivacious energy to the role, perfectly embodying the character's over-the-top villainy. Her portrayal of Carrigan is both humorous and menacing, as she schemed to obtain the hidden treasure within the haunted Whipstaff Manor, even resorting to using the afterlife therapist Dr. James Harvey, played by Bill Pullman, to communicate with the friendly ghost Casper. Moriarty's on-screen presence is commanding, and she plays off the supernatural elements of the film with a campy relish that delights audiences of all ages. Her transformation from a high-maintenance socialite to a ghostly figure herself is a testament to her versatility and commitment to the role. Cathy Moriarty's Carrigan Crittenden is a memorable character in the pantheon of '90s film antagonists, and her performance contributes significantly to the enduring charm of "Casper."

Eric Idle

as Paul 'Dibbs' Plutzker

In the 1995 family comedy film "Casper," Eric Idle brings his signature blend of humor and charm to the role of Paul 'Dibbs' Plutzker, a ghost therapist and self-proclaimed paranormal expert who is hired by Carrigan Crittenden (played by Cathy Moriarty) to rid the haunted Whipstaff Manor of its spectral inhabitants. Idle's portrayal of Dibbs is characterized by his impeccable comedic timing and exaggerated expressions, which provide a perfect counterbalance to the eerie and mystical elements of the story. Although his character initially comes across as somewhat pompous and fraudulent, Idle infuses Dibbs with an underlying sense of compassion and bumbling vulnerability, making him an endearing and memorable figure in the film. His interactions with the friendly ghost Casper and the mischievous trio of ghosts, the Ghostly Trio, add a layer of slapstick comedy that appeals to both children and adults. Idle's performance as Dibbs stands out as a highlight of "Casper," showcasing his ability to deliver both humorous one-liners and emotional sincerity within the context of a family-friendly adventure.

Joe Alaskey

as Stinkie (voice)

Joe Alaskey's portrayal of Stinkie in the 1995 film "Casper" was a memorable contribution to the ghostly trio known as the Ghostly Trio. Alaskey brought Stinkie to life with his distinctive, gravelly voice, which perfectly captured the character's mischievous and sarcastic personality. Stinkie, along with his fellow ghosts Fatso and Stretch, served as both antagonists and comic relief, and Alaskey's performance was key in balancing these elements. His voice work added depth to Stinkie's character, making him not just a source of humor but also a character with a hint of melancholy, as he and his companions were bound to their ghostly existence. Alaskey's Stinkie was characterized by his green glow, skeptical expressions, and penchant for bad puns, which, combined with the actor's vocal talents, created a character that was both endearing and entertaining to audiences of all ages. His performance was a highlight of the film, helping to cement "Casper" as a beloved classic in the realm of family-friendly horror-comedies.